LEWIS RETURNS FOR DOUBLE HEADER

ADRIAN LEWIS returns to action in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts on Thursday with a crucial double-header at Aberdeen's AECC.

Lewis missed out on last week's Premier League after being struck down by viral gastroenteritis, meaning his showdown with 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor was postponed.

He has now recovered and will face Taylor in Aberdeen, before returning to the AECC stage to take on joint league leader James Wade - with Lewis able to finish the night at the head of the table should he win both matches.

"The virus did take a lot out of me but I'll be ready to give it everything I've got on Thursday night," said Lewis.

"I've had a couple of days practice and I'll get on the board once I arrive in Aberdeen, and I will be ready for Thursday night.

"I don't think I'll be too rusty and I'm looking forward to it but it's going to be a strange night - I could be top or bottom at the end and it's vital that I get at least one win, but I'm looking to win both games."

Lewis has practiced with Stoke rival Taylor in recent months and has not been surprised by his incredible return to form during March, which saw “The Power” win six out of eight PDC Pro Tour events as well as remain unbeaten in his last five Premier League games.

"I knew Phil would be back," said Lewis. "I saw him in practice and he was playing awesome - like he is now - and it was just a matter of him doing it on stage.

"To me, he's still the best player in the world and you have to be in top form to stand any chance against him.

"To win the first game against Phil would be a massive boost before I play James.

"James has a little bit more experience than me but we both came onto TV around the same time. It won't affect me that he's my mate, I'll go up there, be as professional as I can be and try to get both points!"

Wade shares the lead at the top of the table with Raymond van Barneveld, after Taylor's draw with Terry Jenkins in Birmingham last week left him a point adrift.

Wade was an 8-4 victor against Jenkins in an impressive display from the 24-year-old, who showed glimpses of the form which earned him two major titles in 2007.

"It's slowly but surely getting back to how I was playing at the end of last year," said Wade. "I can't keep saying that though, I have to deliver and it's not as good as it can be yet.

"I've been practising to average 110-115, and in the first six legs against Terry I did that. After that it eased off but I was grateful to get the win.

"There's not a better feeling than knowing that I haven't played my best game yet and I'm joint top.

"I've got to believe in myself a bit more and enjoy it - it was enjoyable against Terry, like it was in the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.

"I didn't try, it was just a natural rhythm and it flowed, and I'm very excited about the next few weeks."

Taylor won both PDC Pro Tour events in Telford last weekend to complete an amazing month of March, winning six tournaments - including five in a row - out of the eight played away from the television cameras.

He has also won four and drawn one of his last five Premier League matches, and said: "I'm really looking forward to playing Adrian.

"It was a bit of a false alarm last week when he had to pull out on the day, but I'll be ready for him!

"I'm playing really well and delighted with how the last month has gone for me. I feel I've been improving every week and hopefully that will continue."

The tenth league night will also be a crucial evening for John Part and Peter Manley - who both sit adrift of the play-off places.

Manley's loss to Wayne Mardle last week saw him slump to the bottom of the table, with Part a point ahead following his 8-6 defeat to van Barneveld.

The duo switch opponents in Aberdeen, with Manley taking on van Barneveld and Part meeting Mardle, who has now joined Lewis and Jenkins on eight points in the table following three successive victories.

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Ten - April 3
AECC, Aberdeen
Adrian Lewis v Phil Taylor
Peter Manley v Raymond van Barneveld
John Part v Wayne Mardle
James Wade v Adrian Lewis
Live on Sky Sports One, 7.30pm

Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
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