Reigning BDO World Darts Champions Martin Adams (L) and Trina Gulliver are both after their first Manx titles in 2011

Martin 'Wolfie' Adams would love to take a first Manx title home from this weekend's Isle of Man International Darts Festival.

Adams clinched his third BDO World Darts title in January, but the Manx title has so far eluded him.

"I've been in it more years than I can remember, so hopefully my luck will be in this time around," he said.

The 26th running of the event will get underway at the Villa Marina in Douglas this Friday (11 March).

Adams beat Dean Winstanley 3-2 in last month's Dutch Open final, to defend his crown in a repeat of their Lakeside showdown.

Dobromyslova has recently returned to the British Darts Organisation

"It went great in Holland and I'm throwing some good darts this year, so let's see what happens in Douglas," added the three-time World Masters champion.

The England captain, now 55, will face stiff competition for the £5,000 top prize with more than 500 players expected in the men's draw.

Amongst those toeing the oche will be Dean Winstanley, Ted Hankey, John Boy Walton, Daryl Fitton and Dave Chisnall.

Colin Tyrer will lead the Manx challenge after missing a double against Daryl Fitton last year for a place in the quarter-finals.

The ladies draw will also be fiercely contested, with Welsh international Julie Gore going for a record-breaking fifth consecutive Isle of Man title and the £3,000 top prize.

England's Trina Gulliver, who won her ninth world title at the Lakeside in January, and Russia's Anastasia Dobromyslova will be her main rivals in Douglas, as well as last year's runner-up Deta Hedman, who has herself won four Manx titles.

The weekend's competition offers valuable ranking points, which can provide the gateway to a coveted place at the Lakeside next January.

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