Andy Hamilton
The third of the 'Stokies' in the upper echelons of the rankings along with Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, Andy Hamilton has had his best spell in the PDC since his 'breakthrough year' of 2007.
Having reached the semi-finals in the last World Championship to take place at the Circus Tavern, the man they call 'The Hammer' went on to win his first two Pro Tour titles within months and late in the year reached the final of the inaugural Grand Slam of Darts.
He'd struggled to match those achievements but a run to the World Championship final in 2012 was the spark for a season that has seen him produce career-best efforts in four majors.
Fact box
- Date of birth: 16.03.67
- Birthplace: Stoke-on-Trent
- Nickname: The Hammer
- Major titles: None
- World Championship best: Runner-up (once)
- Walk-on music: Can't Touch This
In reaching the 2012 final, Hamilton secured himself a wildcard for the Premier League - and despite being a big outsider he made it through the league phase before exiting in the semi-finals.
His other career bests came at the European Championship and Players Championship Finals (quarter-finals in both), with the latter in particular meaning he arrives in London in good heart.
A former Cheshire county player, the 45-year-old's rise to prominence is all the more remarkable given he quit playing the sport competitively at 20 before returning nearly 20 years later.
He is back in the Premier League in 2013 though after his final four appearance in 2012, and will be hoping his consistency can take him through to the play-offs once again.
Hamilton made the quarter-finals of the last World Championship, but could not live with Phil Taylor as he won just two legs during a 5-0 whitewash.
