‘I don't care' – James Wade doesn't know who Scottie Scheffler is as he launches into bizarre rant about darts and golf
The Oche veteran, 42, was speaking after his 11-7 victory over Wessel Nijman at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
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During the press conference, Wade was asked about comments made by recent Open champion Scheffler regarding handling pressure on the world stage.
As the question was being delivered, Wade asked "Who?" - before appearing to turn to the moderator.
He then had the room in stitches as he quipped: "I've got no idea what's happening in darts, let alone golf."
Wade then added: "It sounds really disrespectful, I don't really care what's happening in darts."
Giving the subject some more thought, Wade continued: "You get golf - they've got this whole new organisation they've moved across to, and I don't even know what's going on, if I'm honest with you.
"Why do you play golf at a competitive level? To supply for your family. All I do is I take my hat off to them.
"They're all earning a bundle of money. And no one really cares about what people think within reason.
"As long as you try your best when you're at that stage, at that pinnacle of the game… you know.
"It's non-comparable. Golf players aren't even close to being on the pressure or the pedestal that dart players are put upon."
After checking with the moderator about whether Scheffler is world No1, Wade added of the American: "How does he get to a tournament? Is it a private jet? Right. So when I get on an EasyJet flight… you're laughing and joking, but seriously.
"He doesn't have to get on a happy bus. He doesn't have to do all those things. It's non-comparable, really. I think you should perhaps do what dart players do and see what they have to see, and do what they have to do, you know.
"It's quite amazing what dart players achieve when they don't have all that up their bottom, you know.
"Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get in a private jet. I'd love to be in a backwards entrance in an airport.
"But, you know, I'm a dart player. I will do EasyJet. I will do Ryanair. Because I am what I am.
'I MIGHT EVEN WASH HIS CAR'
"Would you travel 12 hours to get to a floor tournament? Would you do that three times in a week? No, you wouldn't.
"So I think you should probably reflect… and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way."
Seeking not to cause any issues with Scheffler, Wade went on: "Sorry, I didn't mean that in a rude way. That's just how it really is.
"There's no PDC player that gets any special treatment. I wish I was. I wish I did.
"If this guy wants to invite me on his private jet to go to a tournament, I'm your man. I might even wash his car before it."
World No8 Wade will be back in action tomorrow in Blackpool, as he takes on No22 Gian van Veen for a place in the last four.
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