Date of birth: 16.03.67
Home town: Stoke-on-Trent
Nickname: The Hammer

The second of three 'Stokies' in the top seven in the current PDC rankings, Hamilton proved his class with his run to the final of the recent Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Only Phil Taylor prevented him from taking his first major title, but The Hammer's performance was a timely boost ahead of his trip to Alexandra Palace as he looks to improve on his efforts at the Circus Tavern last year.

Victories over the likes of Mark Dudbridge, Dennis Priestley and Terry Jenkins saw him reach the last four, where that man Taylor sank him 6-0 having previously beaten him at the same stage in the 2006 World Matchplay.

2007 has been a breakthrough year for Hamilton, though, with his first Pro Tour title coming in Gibraltar in January - and his second (in the Midlands) soon after.