Premier League taking shape

The first six names for next year's Premier League have been confirmed following James Wade's stunning victory in Dublin.

The first six names for next year's Premier League have been confirmed following James Wade's stunning victory in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix. The 24-year-old will make his debut in the Sky Sports-televised tournament alongside Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, with the trio joined by Grand Prix runner-up Terry Jenkins, Adrian Lewis and Peter manley. The final two wildcard places will be awarded in early January following the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Stoke youngster 'Jackpot' Lewis made it to the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix to secure his place in the Premier League tournament for a second successive year after making his debut campaign in 2007. "I'm delighted," said Lewis. "I really enjoyed the Premier League this year and it's brilliant to be involved once more in 2008. "Playing in front of thousands of fans every week is an incredible experience and I'm looking forward to starting again in January." PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said: "I'd like to congratulate all six players on qualifying for the 2008 Premier League Darts. "All six fully deserve their places and have been outstanding in the past two years. "James Wade has shown to all players that if you have the talent and attitude you can reach the top and I'm sure he will star in the Premier League next year." Premier League Darts dates and venues 31 January: Glasgow SECC
7 February: Plymouth Pavilions
14 February: M.E.N Arena, Manchester
21 February: Ricoh Arena, Coventry
28 February: BIC, Bournemouth
6 March: Nottingham Arena
13 March: Sheffield Arena
20 March: Brighton Centre
27 March: NIA, Birmingham
3 April: AECC, Aberdeen
10 April: Liverpool Echo Arena
17 April: Wembley Arena
24 April: Odyssey Arena, Belfast
1 May: Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle Play-Offs 26 May: CIA, Cardiff