Wade Happy With Improvement

JAMES WADE believes he is slowly regaining the 'natural rhythm' which took him to two major titles in 2007.

The world number three won the Stan James World Matchplay and SkyBet World Grand Prix last year, leaping up to third in the world with a string of sensational displays.

He admitted that a quarter-final exit in the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship was a disappointment at the turn of the year, and has only fleetingly performed to his best so far in his debut Whyte & Mackay Premier League campaign.

However, he has produced his first two 100+ averages in the past fortnight, and an 8-4 win over Terry Jenkins last week ensured he remains level with Raymond van Barneveld at the top of the table.

"It's slowly but surely getting back to how I was playing at the end of last year," said Wade.

"I can't keep saying that though, I have to deliver and it's not as good as it can be yet.

"I've been practising to average 110-115, and in the first six legs against Terry I did that. After that it eased off but I was grateful to get the win.

"There's not a better feeling than knowing that I haven't played my best game yet and I'm joint top.

"I've got to believe in myself a bit more and enjoy it - it was enjoyable against Terry, like it was in the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.

"I didn't try, it was just a natural rhythm and it flowed, and I'm very excited about the next few weeks."

Wade is not yet guaranteed a place in the play-offs, with competition for places in the top four still strong, but knows a win over Adrian Lewis would take him closer to sealing a spot in Cardiff at the end of May.

"I'm good friends with Adrian and I'm glad he's okay after his stomach bug last week, but there can be no sentiment on stage," added the 24-year-old.

"It's important I get the two points. It doesn't matter about finishing top, it's about finishing in the top four.

"In a way, the real darts starts in the semi-finals and hopefully I'm finding a bit of form at the right time."

James Wade - Last Five Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Fixtures