DARYL GURNEY is feeling refreshed ahead of his Paddy Power Champions League of Darts debut in Brighton this Saturday.
Gurney enjoyed a memorable 2017, culminating in his unforgettable World Grand Prix triumph which helped propel the Northern Irishman to world number five and into the eight-man field at The Brighton Centre this weekend.
Following a disappointing second round exit at July's World Matchplay, Gurney has enjoyed a return to form in September after a five-week break from action and is now ready to make a big return live on the BBC.
I've recharged my batteries and now I'm ready to go again
"I want to hit the ground running in the run of TV tournaments coming up, I don't want to make a slow start," said Gurney, who reached the final of Players Championship 17 in Barnsley earlier this month.
"I've put in a good bit of practice in the last few weeks to get myself ready for Brighton and the rest of the year.
"August was my first break from darts in almost two-and-a-half years but it was a good chance to recharge my batteries, spend time with son and now I'm ready to go.
"From now until the Worlds takes complete focus and it will be January before I know it, the next couple of months will fly by because we're so busy."
Gurney has been drawn in Group A this weekend, alongside world number one Michael van Gerwen, two-time World Champion Gary Anderson and multiple-TV finalist Dave Chisnall.
The Premier League and World Series of Darts star will take on Anderson in his opening match as he begins his quest for the £100,000 title.
"I'm excited to be playing against the best players in the world again," Gurney added.
"Gary is a great player, I usually play quite well against him and we have good games so I'm looking forward to that one.
"It's a very tough group, it contains the best two players in the world in my opinion but I like the round-robin format and hopefully I can progress from the group.
"I can't wait for another great TV tournament and, as always, I'm looking forward to playing in front of a lovely crowd."
GET YOUR TICKETS
Tickets are available from the Brighton Centre Box Office via the following methods:
In Person at the Brighton Centre Box Office - Monday to Saturday 10am–4pm.
Online through Ticketmaster via THIS LINK
Phone through Ticketmaster: 0844 847 1515 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company's access charge)
Accessible: 01273 292695
Paddy Power Champions League of Darts
Group A
Michael van Gerwen
Gary Anderson
Daryl Gurney
Dave Chisnall
Group B
Peter Wright
Rob Cross
Mensur Suljovic
Simon Whitlock
Schedule & Ticket Info
Saturday September 22
Afternoon Session (1.15pm)
4x Group Matches
Rob Cross v Mensur Suljovic (B)
Peter Wright v Simon Whitlock (B)
Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney (A)
Michael van Gerwen v Dave Chisnall (A)
Table Ticket £31
Tiered Ticket £26
Evening Session (6.30pm)
4x Group Matches
Saturday afternoon's winning players face each other, and the losing players face each other in each group.
Table Ticket £36
Tiered Ticket £31
Sunday September 23
Afternoon Session (1pm)
4x Group Matches
Remaining Group Matches
Table Ticket £31
Tiered Ticket £26
Evening Session (6.30pm)
Semi-Finals & Final
Table Ticket £36
Tiered Ticket £31