FORMER Speedy Hire UK Open champion James Wade will compete on the opening night of this year’s tournament next month, as the world’s top players return to Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

The UK Open, screened live on Sky Sports, will be played from June 2-5 in the Premier Suite at the Reebok Stadium, featuring the biggest names in darts.

Reigning champion Phil Taylor will come into the tournament – dubbed “The FA Cup of Darts”’ at the third round stage on Friday June 3, but the opening night will feature a host of famous names.

Left-hander Wade, the world number four who won the 2008 UK Open, will be amongst those players in action after failing to finish inside the top 32 players from the eight qualifying events.

He will be joined in the First Round draw by 2004 UK Open champion Roland Scholten as well as twotime world champion Dennis Priestley, Colin Lloyd, Steve Beaton, Wayne Mardle, Peter Manley and the Dutch trio of Michael van Gerwen, Jelle Klaasen and Co Stompe.

There will be no place in Bolton, however, for 2008 runner-up Gary Mawson or Steve Farmer, a semi-finalist in January’s Players Championship finals, after the pair only accumulated £200 from the eight qualifying events.

A total of 172 players will compete in Bolton, with 108 professionals joined by 64 amateur qualifiers, who have won through knockouts held in Speedy Hire Centres and Rileys Darts Zones during April.

The draw for the first round will be made on Thursday May 12, giving the prospect of an unknown amateur coming up against the likes of Wade, Mardle and Manley.

“Now that the qualifying events have been played, there’s a real buzz amongst the players who have won through to play in Bolton,”

said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

“This is the tournament which gives amateurs who usually play at pub level to rub shoulders with, and potentially play against, the stars of darts.

“Over 2,000 players have attempted to qualify for the Speedy Hire UK Open, but this is the time for the lucky 172 who have won through to prepare for the four days in Bolton which could change their lives.”

Tickets for the Speedy Hire UK Open are available now from the Reebok Stadium Box Office in person or via 08448 712932.