Chris Mason turns over a new leaf

Chris Mason has vowed to turn over a new leaf after making plans for a comeback to darts - which could start at next month's Grand Slam in Wolverhampton.

Mason, who lives in Essington, retired on air while commentating on last year's Grand Slam for ITV4 and turned down a PDC Pro Tour card at the start of this year.

But 'Mace the Ace' has now done a U-turn and decided to give the sport one last crack, having reached two BDO world championship finals in 1999 and 2000.

His career since has been riddled with controversy, Mason even serving a year in prison for aggravated burgary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in 2003.

His playing career was in tatters when he met Jonathan Martin by chance three months ago, who has his own sports consultant agency, MM Sports.

Martin saw potential and agreed to take care of Mason's affairs, under the proviso that he was serious about coming back to the sport.

With sponsors and investors in place, Mason has also launched a new website and filmed promotional videos at the Chamber TV studios in Hagley, alongside their managing director Richard Westhead.

There's even talk of a weekly radio show from live venues around the Black Country, which will keep Mason very busy over the coming months.

And the 41-year-old has now vowed his 'bad body' days are behind him as he prepares to return to the oche.

He said: "All the wrongs I did I want to put right and that means being the ultimate professional.

"I came so close to becoming a world champion, I had to live with that for years and all those negatives had to go somewhere.

"I know how I ended up in that dark part of my life which took me away from what I should be doing, which is playing darts.

"But everyone should be allowed to move on and deserves a second chance, I am keen to play again and it's been like waiting for Christmas.

"I am working on a book but the only thing that's holding it back is the ending. There isn't a happy one, at the moment."

His first port of call will be the Grand Slam 'wild card' qualifiers in Crawley on November 4, with two spots in the tournament up-for-grabs.

Mason has served as a pundit at every Grand Slam since its inception in 2007 but, as it's being switched to Sky Sports from this year, the TV work is set to dry up.

And the Bristol-born 'ace' will have to start at the bottom at the start of next year, to get back the Pro Tour card he gave up in January.

He said: "Two lucky punters are going to come through a really big field and get the chance to play in the Grand Slam, that's my first target.

"In reality, that's early, but I would be far from shocked if I did qualify. Come January, I have got to go to qualifying school to get my tour card, because I turned down my card last year.

"I have got to start literally at the bottom but - and this is far from arrogance - I don't think that will be an issue.

"I want to get back on the Pro Tour next year and win a major PDC event in 2013, that's my two-year plan."