STAN JAMES WORLD MATCHPLAY champion James Wade is to invest in the future of the sport by sponsoring young prospect Ricky Williams.
Williams, a 18-year-old from Portsmouth, made his debut on the PDC circuit earlier this year by competing in some of the Blue Square UK Open Regional Finals.
He won a place at the Reebok Stadium, opening in the Preliminary Round with a win over Andrew Gourlay and then seeing off Dale Newton and Darren Latham before losing 8-7 in the third round to Lee Palfreyman.
Wade, along with his sponsor Jason Thame and associate Will Lazar, have agreed to back Williams over the coming 18 months as he looks to establish himself within the PDC.
"I know just how tough it can be to turn professional so it's great to be able to help Ricky out," said Wade.
"I had fantastic support from my parents at first, and Jason Thame has backed me throughout my career too.
"Hopefully Ricky can make the most of the opportunity and prove his talent on the PDC circuit."
Williams reached the last 64 of the Southern Regional Final in March, eventually losing to his Portsmouth practice partner Andy Jenkins following wins against Toon Greebe and Ronnie Baxter.
He will also be managed by Thame alongside Wade and Jenkins in the Modus Management team.