JAMES WADE has revealed that his first ever 180 was "a fluke"!
The 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts runner-up hit 50 during last year's tournament and has racked up thousands since turning professional.
However, in an interview in the official 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts programme, Wade revealed that his first ever 180 owed as much to luck as judgement.
"I was 13 years old but it was a bit of a fluke to be honest," he said. "I'd hit plenty of 120s with two darts before but always fluffed the third dart because I would tense up.
"This time I hit treble 20 with my first dart but I was sure the second dart had only hit single 20.
"I threw my last one with no pressure and it went in the treble but when I got up to the board I realised it was actually a maximum."
Wade admits that he is learning to deal with a different kind of pressure - performing in front of crowds of up to 8,000 fans.
"I might look nice and calm when I'm playing but yes, I do get very nervous," he added.
"It's a part of my game I'm working on and hopefully that will go with more experience."
Wade claimed the Blue Square UK Open title in 2008, a third major trophy, and has now moved up to second in the PDC Order of Merit in emerging as a rival to Phil Taylor's dominance of the sport.
"I think I've got the game to beat [Phil] when I'm at my best but it's going to be a huge challenge," said Wade.
"I think the peaks in my game are higher than his but he is so unbelievably consistent.
"I was the first man to beat him in the Premier League but it's doing that in the big games, the semi-finals and the finals, that counts."
Read the full interview with James Wade, plus hear from the other seven Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts stars, as well as other exclusive features in the official programme.
Purchase from the PDC Merchandise Stall at the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, or click here to order online