A bastion of consistency, Enfield-born Ovens has been out of the game at the top level since retirement in 2016. Almost two years to the day since his last appearance, at the
BDO Swedish Open, the 61-year-old makes his comeback at the same event.
He made his major debut in 1986, reaching the fourth round at the World Masters. His best BDO showing before a 2000 switch to the PDC would be a quarter-final appearance in the same tournament. It was a similar story for Ovens in the other code. He became a 'Nearly Man' on the stage, often falling just short when threatening to go deep into a competition.
That was never truer than from 2010-2012. Ovens reached the UK Open semi-final three times in a row, but lost to Phil Taylor (twice) and Wes Newton. Mark Dudbridge ended Ovens' best PDC World Championship run, prevailing 5-3 in a 2005 quarter-final. That said, The Heat picked up a total of nine PDC titles in his career.
Ovens, winner of the Scottish Open back in 1999, makes his BDO return in Sweden. It is as of yet unclear whether his appearance will spark a full comeback. For now, darting fans are just enjoying letting The Heat back in.
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Ovens will kick off in the second round against Dave Tebbutt.
Click here for a look at the full BDO Swedish Open draw.