Darts Rivals Anderson and Wade United in Luke Humphries Praise Ahead of World Masters Clash
Two of darts' most decorated and historically antagonistic figures, Gary Anderson and James Wade, have discovered an unexpected point of agreement as they prepare to face each other in the second round of the World Masters this Saturday in Milton Keynes. Despite a well-documented lack of affection between the pair, both veterans have recently voiced strong, unified support for fellow professional Luke Humphries, whom they feel has been unfairly overlooked in the sport's narrative.
A Storied Rivalry Set for Another Chapter
The upcoming match at the Marshall Arena pits Anderson, a two-time World Champion, against Wade, an eleven-time major winner often regarded as the finest player never to have claimed the sport's ultimate prize. Their careers have been punctuated by public spats and a clear mutual frostiness. Wade himself has openly acknowledged that the two "don't get on very well," a sentiment born from years of on-stage competition and off-stage disagreements.
One notable flashpoint occurred nearly a decade ago following a Premier League clash in Aberdeen. After Wade grumbled about the partisan Scottish crowd following a 6-6 draw from a 6-2 lead, Anderson mounted a fierce defence of his home supporters. "We only play twice in Scotland and I have to play away from home 14 times in a season," Anderson retorted at the time. "The rest moan but it does annoy me... I get it every week, so they need to man up and deal with it." This exchange typified the tense dynamic that has existed between the two champions for over a decade.
Rare Accord Over Luke Humphries' Legacy
However, in a surprising twist, both Anderson and Wade have recently found themselves singing from the same hymn sheet regarding the treatment of current world champion Luke Humphries. Towards the end of 2024, Anderson launched an impassioned defence of Humphries, expressing frustration that the champion was being "looked over every time" in favour of the immense spotlight on teenage sensation Luke Littler.
"He's deserved everything that he's worked for, everything he's got," Anderson fumed, calling the perceived oversight "absolute rubbish." Wade, despite his admitted differences with Anderson, wholeheartedly backed these sentiments during the World Grand Prix. "I would like to say me and Gary Anderson don't get on very well, at times," Wade conceded before launching into praise for Humphries.
Wade went even further, hailing Humphries as potentially "the second or third-best world champion we have ever had" and urging the darts world to celebrate his achievements. "The things he's doing are magnificent," Wade stated. "I'm not going to rant on as much as Gary did, but the things he's done and the things he's won... It's quite sad for darts." This rare moment of unity highlights a shared respect for sporting excellence that transcends their personal rivalry.
A Packed Saturday Schedule at the World Masters
While the Anderson-Wade grudge match will capture significant attention, Saturday's schedule at the World Masters is brimming with high-quality fixtures. The action includes:
- An all-Welsh affair between Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price.
- World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen taking on Nathan Aspinall for a quarter-final spot.
- 2023 Masters champion Chris Dobey facing Australian number one Damon Heta.
Later in the evening, the focus will shift to Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, who take centre stage against Ross Smith and Luke Woodhouse respectively. Other notable matches feature a clash between Rob Cross and Josh Rock, as well as a repeat of last year's quarter-final between Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert. The tournament promises a thrilling day of tungsten action, underscored by the fascinating subplot of two old adversaries finding common ground.
