James Wade has issued a message of thanks for the outpouring of support he has received in the last 48 hours.

The world number three, whose mental health issues have been well documented in recent years, was visibly unsettled during his World Grand Prix defeat against Colin Osborne on Tuesday evening.

Wade, who immediately flew back to the UK, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, clinical depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder when he was admitted to The Priory Clinic in 2010.

He has continued to receive the necessary treatment to combat his illnesses ever since.

“I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all of my fans and everyone who has supported me, especially since Tuesday,” said Wade, after online fan pages and social media sites were flooded with messages of concern and support.

“I am home now and getting the right help so I can focus on getting myself right for the remainder of the season.”

Michael van Gerwen believes that Thursday’s PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix match against Adrian Lewis could be ‘something special’.

The in-form Dutch star has produced some electrifying performances in 2012, including a sensational nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay in July.

After seeing off seeing off Colin Lloyd on Monday evening, van Gerwen faces two-time and reigning World Champion Lewis for a place in the quarter-finals of the Dublin tournament, with the fast-throwing pair meeting for the first time on TV.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Adrian,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, whose impressive form has seen him win four PDC Pro Tour titles this year.

“I’ve never played him on stage before but it’s an exciting prospect.

“He is a fast player and I am too. If we both take our best game up there then it could be really special for the crowd and for TV.

“He is a top player. You do not become World Champion twice without being a brilliant dart player but my form is good and I’m feeling confident.”

van Gerwen and ‘Jackpot’ are expected to be on stage at around 9.30pm, with the winner taking on either Andy Hamilton or Steve Beaton in Friday’s quarter-finals.

By Chris Murphy

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Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC