Veteran James Wade admits playing the World Grand Prix is “awful” and “hellish” despite reaching the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The 43-year-old, who last lifted a major trophy at the UK Open in 2021, continued his bid for a third World Grand Prix after producing a superb display to defeat Stephen Bunting 3-1 in the unique double-start format in Leicester.

Wade averaged 93.20 and fired in 15 140s, defying a 96 average from Bunting to book his place in the last eight.

“I just felt like it was timing at the right place and the right time. It wasn’t the right place for Stephen,” Wade, nicknamed ‘The Machine ‘, told Sky Sports’ Polly James.

“I was better than average, I think. I am just grateful to win. It’s so hard to win a double start.

“We can all play it cool and pretend to be relaxed and enjoying the game. But it’s awful, it’s hellish.

“It’s not very nice. It’s graft and just really hard work. We’re not all cool, we are working very hard.”

Wade, who took in a local art gallery in Leicester as part of his preparations, was asked whether he is currently playing some of the best darts of his career.

“Nowhere near really,” he replied. “But I am having to play better against better players. I’ve got loads more gears to go.

“But talk is cheap and I am full of cheap talk.”

Speaking at his press conference, Wade said: “I get nervous, I make myself feel ill, I don’t want to get involved in it.

“I just want it to be over and done with quick.

“So am I well equipped or do I just deal with the c***** end of the stick better than others? It’s so nerve-wracking; it’s awful.”

‘The best scorer I’ve ever seen’

Wade also hailed Gary Anderson as one of the greatest ever, despite ‘The Flying Scotsman’ exiting the tournament following a landmark 3-1 win for Dutchman Niels Zonneveld.

On Anderson’s legacy in the sport, Wade said: “I’ve played against every dart player in the world and he is the best scorer in the world when he’s at his very best.

“I think those days are gone now. I don’t think we’re going to see that scoring from Gary Anderson ever again, but when he was on he was the best scorer I’ve ever seen.

“I’m not put on a pedestal like that and it is what it is. I’m just happy to still be about and still whooping the youngsters, so that’s good.”

Sky Sports remains the home of darts with the World Grand Prix (September 28-October 4), Grand Slam of Darts (November 14-22) and World Darts Championship (December 10-January 3) all live. Stream darts and more through NOW with no contract.