ADRIAN LEWIS announced his return to darts earlier this year but will miss out on the World Darts Championship for a new reason.
Lewis took an “indefinite break” from darts due to personal reasons, making an emotional statement to fans.
Caring for his ill wife and the stress of the darts circuit led to ‘Jackpot’ taking a break in April 2023.
In September 2023, Lewis posted:
“Dear all, in particular my fans, I feel that your loyalty deserves an explanation for my absence from tournaments.
“After 20+ years I feel I need a break from the professional circuit for now. Massive thanks for the support from my fans & sponsors. Also I’d like to thank @OfficialPDC @PDPA–darts for the opportunity and last but not least my family. Cheers folks Ade.”
The two-time champion is set to lose his PDC Tour Card at the end of the year.
Lewis’ current PDC Tour Card expires at the end of 2024, and by deciding not to play in the qualifiers he is allowing his Tour Card to expire due to inactivity.
Despite being unable to compete at PDC events if his PDC Tour Card expires, the darts legend still has plans for a return to the sport.
The Modus Super Series recently propelled darts prodigy Luke Littler into the limelight after he won the third season in May 2023.
Modus X announced Lewis’ return to the boards saying: “Jackpot is coming… Keep your eyes peeled!”
Speaking about the Modus Super Series, Jackpot said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the sport that I love, and to be backed by Modus Sports Management going forward.
“I feel refreshed and re-energised, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”
Likely citing similar reasons to his personal break, Lewis plans to return to the sport slowly and on his own terms by not rushing back to the PDC Tour.
Speaking to iconic darts commentator Wayne Mardle, Lewis said: “Obviously I’ll do the Modus next year, see where I’m at see where my games at and if I’m enjoying it.
“Then obviously, I’d love to go to Q-School.”
Matchroom chief Barry Hearn also stated that the two-time World Champ will not be given any special favours or legs up to fast track a return.
Hearn told SunSport: “Absolutely none. Nor can they be.
“It’s not about what you used to do – it’s about what you can do.
“Does he have to go through Q School? Yeah. We’d welcome him back with open arms.
“He’s a great lad and a great player. He has had his own personal problems.
“Which he has to come to terms with.
“But they are not our problems, they are his problems and it is up to him to solve them.”
Second round draw (seeded vs first-round winner)
Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis began his darts career as the Stoke-on-Trent protege to 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, as the pair shared a hometown.
Lewis made his television debut in 2004 at just 19-years-old, and coined his nickname ‘Jackpot’ the following year.
Lewis was given the nickname after hitting a casino whilst jackpot gambling in Las Vegas, but was unable to collect his winnings as he was under the legal age of 21 – so it was back to the boards.
Jackpot went on to win four PDC majors, with two world championships, the European championships, and the UK Open.
Lewis remains a great in the sport, and will be severely missed by darts fans across the globe.
