Darting fans rejoice as the home of World Darts will finally open its doors again on Saturday afternoon with the 2022 WDF Lakeside World Championship finally set to begin.
Postponed in December due to COVID, but in April, it is very much all systems go in Frimley Green all starting with one of the star games involving one of the most popular players to adorn the famous stage in Martin Adams.
The three-time World Champion has long been sponsored by the venue in the past and the tones of Hungry Like the Wolf will ring out for the first time since 2018 with 'Wolfie's last appearance coming at the Indigo where he lost in the opening round.
The last two times he faced Mark McGeeney and Scott Waites but this time it is the 'King of the Castle' aiming to dethrone the 'King of Lakeside' in Jarred Cole.
A rising star in the game who represents a tough opener for Adams, the best of three sets could allow for the upset over the short format.
John Scott follows who finally makes his debut at the Lakeside. 'Gnasher' is a former Estonian Open and Masters champion and has already won the Reykjavik International Games this season and faces Johnny Haines who himself has played in the Online Darts Live League and also World Seniors qualifiers and tour events so between two players with recent match practice, it could be a close affair.
While Paula Jacklin will finally aim to seal a first win on the Lakeside stage. Losing every year in the first round either to Aileen de Graaf or Lisa Ashton, it is still a difficult test for the Lincolnshire thrower in Rhian O'Sullivan who will start as favourite but will be her best chance for a Lakeside win. She will face Corrine Hammond if she gets through who is seen as the likely favourite to get through to the final from that half.
Following that is likely the match of the session barring the opener as 'Mr Ben' Hazel and Haupai Puha do battle. Both know the big stage very well but both make Lakeside debuts with the former only previously playing at the Indigo, while of course 'Hopes' with PDC experience has played on the World Series and World Darts Championship but will he cope with a new stage in the Lakeside?
To end the session, a player well known to European Tour fans in the PDC, 'Dirty Harry' Andreas Harrysson also known as the Swedish Simon Whitlock will face Romanian ace, Laszlo Kadar. While debutants Amanda Harwood and Marjolein Noijens stake their claim for the ladies' title.
Schedule 2022 WDF Lakeside World Championship
Saturday April 2nd
Afternoon session (from 13:00)
R1 - Martin Adams (Eng) v Jarred Cole (Eng)
R1 - John Scott (Eng) v Johnny Haines (Eng)
R1 - Paula Jacklin (Eng) v Rhian O'Sullivan (Wal)
R1 - Ben Hazel (Eng) v Haupai Puha (NZ)
R1 – Andreas Harrysson (Swe) v Laszlo Kadar (Rom)
R1 - Amanda Harwood (Eng) v Marjolein Noijens (Ned)
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