North East darts star Chris Dobey will make his return to the Utilita Arena stage in March after being included as the local Challenger for the Unibet Premier League's return to Newcastle.
Nine top stars - led by new World Champion Peter Wright and world number one Michael van Gerwen - will be competing full-time in the Premier League, the PDC's roadshow event which begins in February.
However, the opening nine nights feature a Challenger who will get the chance to take on the sport's top stars, giving them a taste of Premier League life.
Bedlington's Dobey shone on a memorable night in 2019 when he stepped in to compete in Newcastle after the withdrawal of Gary Anderson with a back injury, drawing with Mensur Suljovic.
He has since progressed into the world's top 20 players, reaching his first televised semi-finals at the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals during 2019 as well as the last 16 at the recent World Championship.
Dobey has been chosen by the PDC as the Challenger to compete in Newcastle on Thursday March 19, giving him further big-stage experience as the tournament visits his local area.
The Challengers idea was initially introduced in 2019 after Gary Anderson withdrew from the Premier League with a back injury, and although the Scot returns this year the format has been retained.
The Premier League's Challengers also include Fallon Sherrock, who became the first woman to win a match in the PDC's World Championship last month.
Tickets for the Unibet Premier League's visit to the Utilita Arena in Newcastle are available now through ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 493 6666.
