Priestley's retirement plan

Darting legend Dennis Priestley says that he will probably retire from the sport during next year.

'Dennis The Menace' has been a star of the oche for the past two decades and is a two-time world champion, and one of the founder members of the PDC which has taken darts to a new level over the last few years.

The Mexborough veteran has been battling against prostate cancer over the last 12 months but he has bravely played on - and has even risen up the ranking into eighth place.

Priestley could even make a return to the Premier League next year, and he sampled the atmosphere of this season as he played Phil Taylor in a Challenge match in Sheffield.

As he approaches his 59th birthday in July, Priestley says that next year could be his last as a full-time professional on the darts circuit.

Big finish

"I'd love to get in there by right next year and finish my career off with a bang," said Priestley.

"I've said that I'll pack in after my 60th birthday and just go [to events] where I want to go.

"If that keeps me in the limelight then so be it, if I drop out then that will be it."

Priestley was given a great reception by the Sheffield Arena crowd recently, walking on in a Hawaiian shirt in tribute to the ill Wayne Mardle, who he replaced in the fixtures.

All eight players who played in Sheffield signed the Hawaiian shirt, which has raised over £500 in an online auction and will now be donated to Weston Park Hospital, where Priestley received his cancer treatment.

Special moment

"It's always a special moment in any player's career when they play in front of their home crowd," said Priestley.

"It was fantastic, and I'd also like to thank the fans who bid on the signed shirt.

"The money will not only help people who have cancer but also go towards research into cancer."

Priestley is still one of the best, and one of the most popular, players in the PDC, and he will be trying to win another major title when he lines up for the UK Open in Bolton, starting June 4.