James Wade vs Ryusei Azemoto Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 PDC World Darts Championship | First Round
Four-time semi-finalist, James Wade has never made the final at Ally Pally, so motivation is high for him, beginning with this first round clash against Ryusei Azemoto.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock Premium
James Wade vs Ryusei Azemoto prediction
You could argue that James Wade is the best player never to have won the World Darts Championship when taking into account his darting resume and consistently competing at the very top end of the PDC scene, winning several major televised tournaments without ever making the final in this competition. Now 42-years-old, Wade still has plenty left in the tank and the game to make another deep run.
Ryusei Azemoto qualified for the World Darts Championship through the PDC Asian Tour and this represents a dream tie for him in what is his first appearance on the Ally Pally stage. He’ll have his work cut out against a player such as Wade, who wears opponents down by maintaining a high level of darts throughout his game, even if he doesn’t always record the highest averages. Wade’s doubles are also among the higher echelons of the game.
Expect Wade to dominate this one and it would be an achievement for Azemoto to take a set from the Machine. It’s well worth backing Wade to not only win by three sets to nil, but also to record the most 180s.
James Wade vs Ryusei Azemoto tip: James Wade to win 3-0 and to hit the most 180s
