James Wade was beaten by Luke Littler in a major darts final for the second time in 2025 on Sunday and has been criticised for quickly leaving the stage.
Littler produced a stunning performance to claim the World Matchplay Darts title at the Winter Gardens. In the process, the 18-year-old became the fastest player to complete the sport's Triple Crown.
He overpowered Wade in an 18-13 thriller, hitting no fewer than 17 maximums and firing in 44 percent of his doubles to overturn a 5-0 deficit at the first interval.
Advert
By the time he collected the Phil Taylor Trophy, Littler's opponent had departed the scene. Wade later praised and congratulated Littler, who stated that the 42-year-old had been nothing but gracious in defeat despite his frustrations about noise in the crowd.
World number one Luke Humphries, who also completed the Triple Crown this year, has previously spoken out over an encounter with Wade at the oche.
Back in March, Humphries raged against 'The Machine' in a quickly deleted social media post in the aftermath of his refusal to shake Wade's hand before the deciding leg of their UK Open last-eight match.
Advert
"Everyone loves to see people be a bad loser but I'm generally one of the best losers in the sport," posted Humphries.
"I wasn't going to give someone who didn't deserve my respect after what he was doing through the game a hug and be all happy about it that's just my honesty."
Littler's win over Wade added the World Matchplay title to his 2025 World Championship and 2024 Premier League triumph.
Advert
Humphries and Littler have joined an elite club in ticking off the Triple Crown.
Before 2025, only Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson had achieved the target.
Four active players – Wade, Peter Wright, Rob Cross and Raymond van Barneveld – have won two of the requisite three titles.
'The Nuke' also won the UK Open at Minehead in March, thrashing Wade in the final just hours after the runner-up's clash with Humphries.
Advert
After they met again at the Winter Gardens, Littler revealed that Wade was magnanimous in defeat.
Littler told Tungsten Tales: "He said, 'Well played, brilliant tournament and well done to you.'"
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler
Chris Nee