Wade: "I'm Still Learning"

JAMES WADE admits he is still looking to "feel comfortable" on stage - despite moving clear at the top of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts table.

Wade is now a point clear of Phil Taylor following an 8-1 rout of Adrian Lewis in Aberdeen on Thursday.

He has produced impressive displays in the past two weeks, defeating Terry Jenkins and Lewis and has lost just twice so far in his debut Premier League season.

However, Wade admits he is still learning to cope with the Premier League stage and competing in front of 5,000-plus crowds - despite hitting averages over 100 for the past three weeks.

"It's always nice to have the big averages and win, but I'm looking to feel comfortable up there," said Wade.

"I still haven't felt comfortable, I feel a little bit nervous and am thinking about whether I'm playing well or not.

"I knew I was playing well against Adrian, but rather than just getting on with it like last year I'm thinking if I can do better and I've got to be happy with what I'm doing."

Wade was on course for only the third whitewash in Premier League history when he led 7-0 against Lewis, but settled for a comprehensive victory instead.

"I'm always frustrated if I don't finish things off," he added. "I should have done, but I'm great friends with Adrian too and I feel bad for him.

"It wasn't the real Adrian Lewis in Aberdeen but I had to concentrate on my own job."

Wade believes that he can average over 115 on the big stage, and his impressive recent form suggests that may not be out of reach for the 24-year-old.

"I had a ton-plus average against Phil but I didn't play well," he adds. "I played well against Terry, and against Adrian but still have a lot to learn."

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James Wade and Peter Manley will support a Testimonial Dinner for Great Britain rugby league star Paul Sculthorpe on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool. For more details call 07738 336 486, click here or e-mail testimonial@paulsculthorpe.co,uk.