Lewis 'hated' darts after previous World Grand Prix positive test: "I put that much work in and it was demoralizing"

Adrian Lewis sealed a 2-0 sets win over Jose de Sousa to move through to the second round where Chris Dobey now awaits at the World Grand Prix.

Lewis hadn't played in this tournament for three years and spoke about where his game is at and when the vintage Jackpot of old can come out.

"I've never played here before in this environment but I thought the crowd were fantastic. There wasn't many of them but with bills and everything going up at home, what do you expect," said Lewis to Online Darts.

"I need to put a lot more work in that's where I'm at, I'm just trying to enjoy it. Just focusing purely on putting 4-5 hours a day in, at the moment I'm not doing that. Should I? Yes I should as I know them lot are. But I'm trying to enjoy it."

Last time he was due to play in the World Grand Prix was two years ago when he had to withdraw due to a positive COVID test which he admitted saw him hate darts.

"When I caught COVID it took me out of the Grand Prix two years ago and I seemed to fall out of love with it. Playing all the ProTours, Europeans and before you know it, you've caught COVID, you've been kicked out. You've got no ranking money and before you know it you go from being number 14 in the world to number 38. I hated it to be honest, I just think to myself I put that much work in and it's demoralizing."

"I'm at the point where I've been doing a few exhibitions and I was in Scotland last week and the lads were like Lewis you're playing brilliant. I was like listen do not back me for this tournament. But I'm thinking I don't think I missed a double start but maybe I think I can win this."