Darts World No. 5 James Wade is currently recovering in a German hospital after he was worryingly forced to withdraw from the European Open on Sunday.
The English darts star has undergone tests for a variety of 'serious symptoms', including a racing heart, high blood pressure, nausea and dizziness. He was taken to hospital in Leverkusen on the advice of accompanying paramedics.
Wade is now 'comfortable' with his status improving, although he remains under observation by attendants at hospital. He became unwell after his quarter-final win over Ryan Searle, and has withdrawn from his semi-final against Dmitri van den Bergh.
The 39-year-old’s wife, Samantha, is unable to visit as she is expecting their second child while looking after son Arthur. In an official statement posted to Wade’s Twitter, she praised the support of the hospital and gave fans an update.
“It was very worrying Sunday into Monday night and it is horrible to think of James there by himself when he has been so poorly,” she said in the statement. “Clearly we want him home as quickly as possible but the medical staff have been amazing with James and he is hugely grateful for the compassion and care they have shown him - we are taking their advice on when it will be safe for him to return home.”
She added: “James is desperate to make sure he doesn't let anyone down and is already talking about returning to competitive action for people who have bought tickets.
“Whilst that is in his nature, I am sure everyone will agree that him making a full recovery is the most important thing and we will be taking it day by day.”
She added: “James is desperate to make sure he doesn't let anyone down and is already talking about returning to competitive action for people who have bought tickets.
“Whilst that is in his nature, I am sure everyone will agree that him making a full recovery is the most important thing and we will be taking it day by day.”
Wade has won 11 major titles and is currently third in the Premier League standings. He is also a four-time PDC world darts championship semi-finalist.
The rest of the statement read: “Wade was forced to retire prior to the semi final, and was taken to Leverkusen hospital following advice from a German paramedic team that were called to the venue to assist the Aldershot ace after he felt extremely unwell during the event.
“Following his admission to hospital, Wade underwent a series of test to establish the cause of serious symptoms including a racing heart, high blood pressure, nausea and dizziness. Although the player, one of the most successful ever to compete in the PDC with 11 major titles, is now comfortable and improving he is being detained by the hospital team for observation and further treatment is currently not fit enough to fly home.”
Wade's impromptu relocation to a German hospital likely means he will miss night 14 of the Premier League on Thursday, where he was scheduled to face Joe Cullen in Sheffield.
