FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LEWIS ANNOUNCES RETURN

By Aaron Nijjar  

ADRIAN LEWIS is officially returning to darts after taking an indefinite hiatus from the sport.  

The Stoke-on-Trent thrower will be competing in the Modus Super Series in May this year.  

‘Jackpot’ in April 2023 announced that he would be stepping away from the oche due to the stress of the game and to care for his ill wife Sarah.  

The four-time World Cup of Darts winner in September 2023, explained on social media: “Dear all, in particular my fans, I feel that your loyalty deserves an explanation for my absence from tournaments. 

“After 20+ years I feel I need a break from the professional circuit for now. Massive thanks for the support from my fans & sponsors. Also I’d like to thank @OfficialPDC @PDPA–darts for the opportunity and last but not least my family. Cheers folks Ade.”  

He has now confirmed his comeback with the Modus Super Series. He told the competition: “Hello, I am Adrian Lewis, two-time back-to-back PDC and BDO darts champion, and I am looking forward to playing in the Modus Super Series sometime in May, so stay tuned.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the sport that I love, and to be backed by Modus Sports Management going forward. I feel refreshed and re-energised, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”

Lewis is currently unable to compete in PDC events after his tour card expired at the end of 2024. 

Although the 40-year-old has expressed interest in returning to the PDC Tour in the future, he will need to go through Q School to qualify once he finishes competing in the Super Series. 

That is the pathway established by the PDC, with Matchroom chief Barry Hearn making it clear that Lewis will not receive any special treatment despite his status in the sport.  

Hearn told SunSport: “Absolutely none. Nor can they be. It’s not about what you used to do – it’s about what you can do. Does he have to go through Q School? Yeah. We’d welcome him back with open arms. He’s a great lad and a great player. He has had his own personal problems. 

“Which he has to come to terms with. But they are not our problems, they are his problems and it is up to him to solve them.” 

Lewis remains a great in the sport, he has won four PDC Majors, with two World Championships, the European Championships, and the UK Open.

Image by Taylor Lanning.