James Wade shocked fans with his actions following his World Matchplay loss to Luke Littler.
The Machine was beaten 18-13 by 18-year-old sensation Littler on Sunday night in Blackpool.
It was the second time Wade has lost a major final to the nuke this year, after being demolished 11-2 in March during the UK Open finale.
While it's customary for runners-up to remain on stage after the match to receive their trophy and participate in a post-match interview, this is not an official requirement.
Fans were shocked when James Wade left the stage
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Emotion clearly got the better of the 42-year-old, as he collected his trophy from PDC chief executive Matt Porter and swiftly left the stage and headed to the back.
TV viewers were left surprised by his behaviour, as they were treated to an interview from Triple Crown winner Littler, but not with the runner-up.
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James O’Hara expressed his displeasure on social media by saying: “I can’t believe Wade left the stage before Littler even lifted the trophy!”
Disappointed Tom Clayton wrote a sarcastic message on X: “Nice to see Wade stay on stage to watch Littler lift the trophy. Not! P**s poor that.”
And darts fan Craig Milner commented: “Walking off stage before Littler gets his trophy says it all about him. Bit of a p***k. Well done the Nuke!”
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James Wade left the stage quickly after getting his Silver plate
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The ordeal has left fans wondering about Wade’s assessment of the match.
Littler rewrote the history books with his win at the Winter Gardens, with the 18-year-old now replacing Wade as the youngest winner of the World Matchplay, one of the most prestigious events on the darting calendar.
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There is no indication that Wade will face a fine or punishment for his actions; however, it is considered good etiquette to remain for the post-final interview.
Wade did stay during his loss at the UK Open earlier in the year.
Opening up post-match, he said: “I’m the senior dart player, but he absolutely smashed me to bits!
Luke Littler is now the youngest player to have won the Triple Crown
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“What can you do against that? He was the far superior player. Fair play to Luke. At the moment, he is comfortably the best or second best dart player in the world.”
Littler has now become the youngest player in history to complete the coveted Triple Crown, winning the World Matchplay, Premier League, and the World Championships.