While much of the darts world is already looking ahead to the World Grand Prix next week, the Players Championships from the past weekend left us with one final talking point.
An awkward moment occurred between James Wade and Madars Razma, as captured on video. The look on Wade’s face—known as The Machine—spoke volumes after Razma appeared reluctant to immediately return his handshake. It’s not the first time Wade has found himself in such uncomfortable situations, and this incident now joins that list.
Attention now shifts firmly to the World Grand Prix, where James Wade will be in action. The Englishman has qualified and will open his campaign with a first-round tie against Joe Cullen.
The Dutch contingent will also draw significant interest, with a large group of players making the trip. Remarkably, the opening round already features two all-Dutch clashes. Michael van Gerwen, a six-time Grand Prix champion and perennial favorite, faces Dirk van Duijvenbode, whose tenacity and fearless style can unsettle even the very best.
Elsewhere, Danny Noppert, the 2022 UK Open champion, will lock horns with Jermaine Wattimena, a player often underrated by the rankings but always dangerous in this unique format.
Wessel Nijman makes his eagerly anticipated World Grand Prix debut against former world champion Rob Cross—a tough assignment for the Dutch prospect, who has shown tremendous progress this season.
Finally, all eyes will also be on Raymond van Barneveld, who renews his rivalry with Gary Anderson in a matchup filled with both nostalgia and competitive intrigue.
With multiple Dutch players guaranteed to advance, and plenty of storylines already emerging, fans can expect a thrilling week of darts in Ireland.