January’s Lakeside world championship in Surrey will be replayed at the Villa Marina in Douglas next month (March).

Many of those who took part in the men’s and women’s British Darts Organisation championships at Frimley Green will compete in the ?20,000 25th Isle of Man International Darts Festival, which is being backed by the Department of Tourism.

Martin 'Wolfie' Adams, who lifted the men’s title toppling 2008 Manx tournament winner Dave Chisnall, will lead the challenge for the ?5000 first prize but St Helens-based 'Chizzy' will doubtless be keen to seek revenge.

In the women’s competition, which carries a ?2000 top prize, double Manx winner Trina Gulliver, who lifted her eighth world crown at Frimley Green, returns to Douglas, hoping to notch her third island title.

A top class field is guaranteed for the men’s singles, with the majority of the Frimley Green field coming to the Island in search of the prestige title and equally valuable rankings points, which could help them in their quest to return to the 2011 world championship at the Lakeside Country Club.

Martyn Quayle, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, said, "It is an honour for the Isle of Man to play host once again to this ever popular event and we look forward to welcoming some of the top players in the world.  

"The fact that the tournament is celebrating its 25th anniversary is a great achievement and we look forward to sharing this landmark with both visitors and residents alike.  Admission is free to spectators and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy what should prove to be an action packed weekend of darts."

Defending champ Darryl 'The Dazzler' Fitton has a point to prove in the Manx event after crashing in the opening round to Chisnall, 12 months after reaching the semi finals.

In addition to a host of top-line county players and internationals, many Island residents will be eager to record their first home win in the Manx tournament.

Twelve months ago, Colin Tyrer carried the Island colours into the quarter finals, a result he will be hoping to improve on this year.

Having so far failed to lift the Island title, World champion Martin Adams and former world title holders Ted Hankey and John Walton will be keen to add the Manx championship to their CVs.

The women’s competition will also attract a galaxy of top players, with defending champion Julie Gore of Wales, the current World Cup singles champion, keen to maintain her three-year unbeaten run in the championship.

After a disappointing first round defeat in the world championship, she will be keen to show that the Frimley Green defeat was just a blip.

In addition to the prestige singles competitions, the weekend also features mixed doubles, men’s and women’s doubles competitions, plus the Island play-offs for the Winmau World Masters youth championship.

And on the opening afternoon, the Okells Jubilee Trophy will be staged – a warm-up event for Saturday’s prestige singles competition.  It will take the form of winner-takes-all singles events for men and women.  The men’s winner will pocket ?600, while the top woman will collect ?400.  Both events will take the challenging best of three 501 format.

Tournament director Les France of LF Promotions said, "The Isle of Man tournament has over the past 25 years become established as a firm fixture on the calendar and one of the most popular tournament with hundreds flying and sailing in from the mainland to take part in the Island tournament.

"We have overcome a series of difficulties including two industrial recessions and the very damaging split in the sport in 1993.  One year, just weeks before the event was to have been staged at the Summerland sports complex, we were advised that we had to find alternative premises after a rock fall had left the playing venue unsafe.  We did find another venue and the event went ahead.

"Hopefully, this year’s 25th birthday event will prove to be something special and once again serve up some top class action.  Don’t forget Martin Adams, Ted Hankey and John Walton still have to make their mark on this tournament and wouldn’t it be great in this special year to see an islander be crowned ‘king’ of the Manx darts festival."

Entry forms for the 25th Isle of Man Darts Festival are available to pick up at the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal or can be downloaded from www.visitisleofman.com