WES NEWTON will make his comeback from a broken collarbone when he takes part in The Bob Anderson Classic this weekend.
Newton suffered the freak injury to his right shoulder ahead of the Ireland Open Classic in September when he slipped in the shower at his hotel.
The Las Vegas Desert Classic semi-finalist has since been visiting a sports therapist, and was finally given the green light to pick up his darts again this week.
Newton will take his place in the line-up for the Bob Anderson Classic at the Fleetwood Club on Saturday - his practice venue and home club - and is hoping to make a winning return to action.
"I'm allowed to play again but it still hurts every time I throw," admitted the 27-year-old. "I've just got to play through the pain and try to get some form back.
"The Bob Anderson Classic is in my home town, and my home club in Fleetwood so there was no way in the world I was going to miss this.
"Obviously I can't wait for the World Grand Prix either, so hopefully I'll get through this weekend okay."
Newton revealed that he could have been forced to pull out of the Sky Bet World Grand Phil had the break been more serious.
"The break was near the shoulder joint, and the specialist said that was possibly the best place for it to happen - if there is one!" he added.
"This will be four weeks since I suffered the injury so I'm just relieved to be back playing again."
The Bob Anderson Classic, sponsored by Dream Homes this year, will be the final UK-based event ahead of the World Grand Prix, with almost every player who will be part of the field in Dublin heading to Blackpool.
Terry Jenkins is the defending champion of the tournament, having defeated Ronnie Baxter 8-1 in last year's final.
Andy Jenkins and Kevin Painter are the previous Bob Anderson Classic winners, with the organiser himself among the 128 competitors to travel to the Thornton and Fleetwood Clubs.
The last 32 will progress to Sunday's final day at the Thornton Club.
"I'm really looking forward to the event," said Bob, who has organised the event alongside wife Sally and Blackpool-based C&A Leisure.
"The events in previous years have been successful and I can't see any reason why this won't be just as good.
"We're also grateful for the support of Dream Homes for this year's tournament."
Click here to see the draw for The Bob Anderson Classic, sponsored by Dream Homes