James Wade was taken to hospital on Sunday after falling ill during a European darts competition | Darts News

James Wade was taken to a German hospital on Sunday after falling ill after a quarter-final of a European darts competition; His wife Samantha has confirmed he is recovering in hospital but is not yet fit enough to fly home

James Wade had been due to face Joe Cullen in Thursday’s Premier League Darts quarter-final at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield

World number five darts player James Wade is recovering in hospital after being taken ill on Sunday evening during a European competition.

After winning his quarter-final in Leverkusen, Wade was forced to retire prior to his semi-final, and was taken to hospital following advice from a German paramedic team after he became “extremely unwell” during the event.

Although now improving in hospital, after experiencing a racing heart, high blood pressure, nausea and dizziness, he will remain for further observation and treatment and is currently not fit enough to fly home.

His wife, Samantha, who is at home with their child, was extremely grateful for the care the German hospital has provided.

She said: “It was very worrying on Sunday night and into Monday and it is horrible to think of James there by himself when he has been so poorly.

“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.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

James Wade finally gets his first Premier League win of the season at the fifth time of asking with a 6-5 win over Joe Cullen

“James is desperate to make sure he doesn’t let anyone down and is already talking about returning to competitive action for the people that have bought tickets.

“Whilst that is his nature, I am sure everyone would agree that him making a full recovery is the important thing and we will be taking it day by day but I know he will be itching to play as soon as physically possible.”

Wade was due to be back on the Premier League Darts stage at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Thursday night to take on Joe Cullen in a quarter-final match up.