Hankey, a former two-time Lakeside World Champion has had a frustrating time in recent years but speaking to Winmau Darts - the fire is still there for 'The Count'.

"I've been doing some decent practice at home and my throw feels superb, even throwing the odd 9-darter here and there.

“My eyes have settled down superbly with contact lenses as i don't envy what Peter Wright has got to go through now I’m two years out the other side."

"I quite enjoyed watching some of the Matchplay on TV but there is no substitute for the roar of a real crowd and it reminded me how much I miss playing darts on the big stage and I’m determined to get back and play in the big events, whatever they may be"

The BDO hasn't had the greatest time as of late with liquidation taking place of its commercial arm and Hankey admits it's an uncertain time: "Nobody has any idea what the future will look like for anyone not in the PDC, but it's clear there is a tremendous appetite for darts to be played at a highly competitive level from players all over the World.

“I really hope they can sort it out so that we can all enjoy more tremendous events like the Lakeside has always produced"

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