James Wade helped create darts history that has never been repeated
James Wade and Robert Thornton produced a never-before-seen feat at the 2014 World Grand Prix. The pair met in the second round of the ‘double-in, double-out’ event in Dublin. Wade made history alongside Thornton at the 2014 World Grand PrixAlamy Both players hit a nine-darter during their second round clash in DublinAlamy Their clash is seen as one of the greatest matches in the tournament’s history. At the World Grand Prix, players must begin and end each leg by hitting a double with matches also played over a set format. Wade’s 3-2 victory over Thornton saw a piece of history which may never be beaten. The pair both hit nine-darters, the first time two players have done so in a competitive match. They are also the last players to do so at the World Grand Prix, whilst no duo has repeated the feat anywhere in the 11 years since. Brendan Dolan is the only other darts star to pull off a nine-dart finish in the event after his effort against Wade in 2011. It is also the only televised perfect leg of Thornton’s professional career. Wade has hit four nine-darters at televised PDC Tour events including his darting perfection against Thornton. His most recent perfect leg came against Boris Krcmar at the 2022 UK Open. The Thorn’s appearance at the tournament came just a week after his mother’s death with the Scot flying in to face Wade after her funeral. Wade went on to secure victory on his way to reaching the finalAlamy The Thorn’s perfect leg was the only televised nine-darter of his careerAlamy An emotional Wade paid tribute to his opponent following the match after reaching the quarter-finals. He said: “I can only congratulate Robert for what he’s achieved there. “I’m really happy that I won, but to play Robert in that situation was so hard. I got a little bit excited with my nine-darter, and for Robert to do one as well was great. “There was no nice way to play Robert with what he’s gone through, and for him to do what he’s done shows that there’s nobody with any bigger heart than him.” The Machine went on to reach the final after beating Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson in the Irish capital. However, he was ultimately beaten by six-time winner Michael van Gerwen in the showpiece match. Wade has himself twice won the World Grand Prix in 2007 and 2010. Meanwhile, Thornton returned to the event the following year to go all the way and win the title, beating Van Gerwen in the final.
James Wade and Robert Thornton produced a never-before-seen feat at the 2014 World Grand Prix.
The pair met in the second round of the ‘double-in, double-out’ event in Dublin.
![G1B5JC Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Netherlands. 12th May, 2016. Betway PDC Premier League Darts. Night 15. James Wade [ENG] in action against Robert Thornton [SCO]. Wade won the match 7-3. Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News](https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/G1B5JCjpg-JS987731625.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Their clash is seen as one of the greatest matches in the tournament’s history.
At the World Grand Prix, players must begin and end each leg by hitting a double with matches also played over a set format.
Wade’s 3-2 victory over Thornton saw a piece of history which may never be beaten.
The pair both hit nine-darters, the first time two players have done so in a competitive match.
They are also the last players to do so at the World Grand Prix, whilst no duo has repeated the feat anywhere in the 11 years since.
Brendan Dolan is the only other darts star to pull off a nine-dart finish in the event after his effort against Wade in 2011.
It is also the only televised perfect leg of Thornton’s professional career.
Wade has hit four nine-darters at televised PDC Tour events including his darting perfection against Thornton.
His most recent perfect leg came against Boris Krcmar at the 2022 UK Open.
The Thorn’s appearance at the tournament came just a week after his mother’s death with the Scot flying in to face Wade after her funeral.
An emotional Wade paid tribute to his opponent following the match after reaching the quarter-finals.
He said: “I can only congratulate Robert for what he’s achieved there.
“I’m really happy that I won, but to play Robert in that situation was so hard. I got a little bit excited with my nine-darter, and for Robert to do one as well was great.
“There was no nice way to play Robert with what he’s gone through, and for him to do what he’s done shows that there’s nobody with any bigger heart than him.”
The Machine went on to reach the final after beating Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson in the Irish capital.
However, he was ultimately beaten by six-time winner Michael van Gerwen in the showpiece match.
Wade has himself twice won the World Grand Prix in 2007 and 2010.
Meanwhile, Thornton returned to the event the following year to go all the way and win the title, beating Van Gerwen in the final.
