Monday 8 April 2019 10:38, UK
Corey Cadby will make his long-awaited return to PDC action after a 12-month absence when he features in this weekend's Players Championship double-header in Barnsley.
Cadby made a flying start to life in the PDC after gaining his Tour Card in January 2018, winning his first title in a UK Open qualifier in February before going on to reach the UK Open final in Minehead just weeks later.
The 24-year-old then returned to Australia to obtain a Three-Year Tier Two Sportsman's Visa to compete on the PDC circuit, but he experienced a series of complications with his application before it was finally passed last month.
However, 'The King' arrived back in the UK a fortnight ago, and he will feature in Players Championship 9 & 10 at the Barnsley Metrodome this weekend as he begins his bid for World Championship qualification.
The former World Youth champion competed in the Brisbane and Melbourne Masters as part of the World Series roadshow in August 2018, but his run to the UK Open final last March was his last ranking appearance on the Pro Tour circuit.
It's been an extremely difficult period for the talented young Aussie, who revealed in a Sky Sports exclusive that he's experienced some 'dark times' due to his absence, but he's confident of making an instant impact on his comeback..
However, Cadby won't run into Michael van Gerwen this weekend. The Dutchman won two of the opening four Players Championship events of 2019, but he's not featured since and won't be competing in Barnsley over the coming days.
Van Gerwen's Premier League colleague Gerwyn Price is another high-profile absentee. The Welshman secured a memorable double at Players Championship 5 & 6 in February, but he withdrew from this weekend's double-header on Wednesday as have Daryl Gurney and two-time world champion Gary Anderson.
Elsewhere, five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld is set to feature after reversing his decision to retire with immediate effect following his Premier League elimination in Rotterdam last week.
Premier League stars Rob Cross, James Wade, Mensur Suljovic, Peter Wright, and Michael Smith will participate.
The Premier League continues as we head to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Thursday, April 11. You can also stay up-to-date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts
