STUART Kellett launches a bid today, Thursday, to recapture a place in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ranks.

The Northwich thrower dropped outside of the rankings’ top 64 at the end of last year, meaning he must attend Qualifying School – a four-day competition during which 28 tour cards will be up for grabs – at Wigan.

On Tuesday the PDC confirmed it had received more than 400 entries, with three-time world champion John Part and former Players’ Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson among them.

“I’m determined to get back on track,” said Kellett.

“I believe I can as well, and am going to give it my all.”

Former television finalists Ronnie Baxter, Mark Dudbridge, Wayne Jones, Barrie Bates, Colin Osborne and Kirk Shepherd are also among the hopefuls.

Arron Monk and James Hubbard, both former world youth champions, join them along with 2015 finalist Nathan Aspinall.

Kellett, 35, has the advantage of knowing what to expect.

On this day five years ago, he reached the last 32 on Q School’s opening day.

He improved the next to secure a tour card for the first time, beating Darren Webster – who reached the last 16 at this year’s world championship – along the way.

The Cheshire regular endured his toughest season to date in 2016, collecting only £8,250 I prize money, although he did make it to the last 16 of the UK Open for the first time as well as landing a nine-darter in March during a preliminary for the European Matchplay.

He also wired double 12 at the German Masters when on course to repeat the feat a fortnight later.

Play starts today at Wigan from midday.

Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)

Qualifying School

When is it?

Thursday, January 19 through to Sunday, January 22

Where?

Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan

Who?

Close to 450 players have registered to take part, including three-time world champion John Part and former Players’ Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson.

Like Stuart Kellett, they are among those to have dropped out of the world's top 64 in the 12 months

To see a full list of entries, click here: Entry List

What happens?

Play starts at midday in each of the four days at Wigan after an open draw.

All games are the best of nine legs.

Each of the days in Wigan ends with four players – those that reach the semi finals – receiving a two-year PDC tour card automatically.

That’s 16 players, and they do not compete on subsequent days.

What is the Q School Order of Merit?

The PDC has confirmed that a further 12 tour cards will be up for grabs via a rankings system compiled over the four days.

Players will be allocated points based on their finishing position at the end of each day’s play.

They are awarded as follows:

Quarter finals: 9; Last 16: 5; Last 32: 3; Last 64: 2; Last 128: 1

How can I follow what’s happening?

The venue is closed to spectators.

However the PDC has promised to post results online at pdc.tv

Northwich Guardian: Stuart Kellett throws during his first round encounter with Vincent van der Voort last year. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Stuart Kellett has been part of the Professional Darts Corporation ranks since 2012, and made his debut at the world championships later the same year. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC