THE cream of the darts world will be back in town this summer when the bigger and better Blue Square UK Open is contested at the Reebok over four days in June (7-10).

This year's event will include the top 128 players in the UK Open Order of Merit, following the eight regional finals.

They will be joined by 32 qualifiers from the Punch Taverns Knockouts, free-to-enter events which are currently taking place around the country.

Raymond van Barneveld's victory in last year's tournament was his first major title since joining the Professional Darts Corporation. He beat Barrie Bates 13-7 to take the title.

The Dutchman withstood the test of stamina in sweltering Reebok Stadium heat, winning six matches during the weekend to take the £30,000 first prize.

Having overcome Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals, he dispatched John MaGowan in the last four.

Steve Coote proved the best of the Bolton trio who competed. Paul Williams and Dave Johnston crashed out in the first round, but Coote won his two games before losing 8-6 to Matt Clark on the second day.

Tickets went on sale yesterday, with a pre-sale period for annual subscribers to DartsTV at the PDC's official website, www.planetdarts.tv, at a maximum of four tickets per person.

Tickets go on open sale on Monday at 9.30am.

Tickets can be purchased from the Bolton Wanderers Ticket Office on 0871 871 2932, or in person at the Reebok Stadium.