Mikuru Suzuki misses out on challenger spot in 2020 Premier League
Wednesday 8 January 2020 14:41, UK
Jonny Clayton, William O'Connor and Jermaine Wattimena will join Fallon Sherrock as the debutants for this year's Premier League Darts.
Nine of the sport's biggest stars will compete in the 16-week tour of arenas across Europe from February 6 to May 21, with a different challenger to star in each of the first nine weeks of action.
Welshman Clayton is ranked 16th in the world and won three PDC title in 2019. 'The Ferret' will enjoy a homecoming at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on February 20.
Ireland's World Cup of Darts star O'Connor will head to the 3Arena in Dublin the following Thursday with Dutchman Wattimena in action on Judgement Night at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Luke Humphries, Chris Dobey, and Jeffrey De Zwaan all return to the Premier League fold having made their debuts last year, while Stephen Bunting makes his comeback having last played in the tournament five years ago.
Sherrock, who announced herself at the world championship, will follow up her history-making run with an appearance at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on February 13.
John Henderson, who was confirmed as the second Challenger, will open proceedings in Aberdeen, having enjoyed an unforgettable night in 'The Granite City' in 2019 when he drew with Michael van Gerwen.
Fans in Belfast and Glasgow will also have the chance to welcome home local heroes in Daryl Gurney, Gary Anderson and newly-crowned world champion Peter Wright, while Gerwyn Price will entertain a passionate Welsh crowd in Cardiff.
Nathan Aspinall and Glen Durrant are the new additions to the Premier League line-up in 2020, while former finalists Rob Cross and Michael Smith are among the returning stars.
Don't forget to catch up with all the latest darts news, our fortnightly offering on all the news from the PDC circuit and beyond.
Former world no 1 and two-time major champion Colin Lloyd is on hand to offer his expert opinion while there are a host of player interviews, in-depth feature chats, and a look at those from outside the darting world who can't get enough of the arrows.
Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts.
Coverage of the Premier League gets underway on Thursday, February 6 in Aberdeen at 7pm on Sky Sports Action with newly-crowned world champion Peter Wright going up against Michael van Gerwen. Gary Anderson and 'Challenger' John Henderson also take to the stage.
