- The wasp caused a sensation last year by terrorizing darts and pool players.
- The insect is first seen at this year's PDC World Championships.
Just when you thought it was safe to return to the oche, Ally Pally the wasp has returned.
The bug wreaked havoc at Alexandra Palace last January by harassing several darts stars and even biting Luke Littler towards the end of his PDC World Championship quarter-final match against Brendan Dolan.
He then returned for more prayer just days later when the Masters pool tournament began at the venue, landing on Judd Trump's back during his 6-5 loss to Ali Carter.
The beast was finally tamed when referee Rob Spencer trapped it under a glass before releasing it from the table.
That daring undercover operation brought sighs of relief from both cue and darts stars.
But it was just a respite as, on Monday, the Ally Pally wasp returned to this year's PDC World Championship.
Ally Pally Wasp Makes First Appearance at This Year's PDC World Championships
Callan Rydz ignored his visitor to defeat Robert Owen and reach the quarterfinals
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler fell victim to the wasp at last year's Championships
The flying insect landed on Callan Rydz during the Englishman's 4-3 victory over Robert Owen.
He prepared for several visits to the oche and even enjoyed a 180 degree turn from his oblivious host before setting off to cause more chaos.
Fortunately, no darts players were injured on this visit from the Ally Pally wasp, but not everyone has been so lucky.
Poor Dover's Ross Smith was stung three times during his PDC second round win over Niels Zonneveld last year.
“There's the wasp,” Smith said in his postgame interview
It just stung me like a good one. Little bitch.'
The wasp appeared to be caught by a referee during the Masters pool tournament
Ross Smith was stung three times by the wasp at last year's World Championships
The Englishman was being interviewed by Sky Sports when the plague launched its attack
He later told The Sun: “I got stung three times, tomorrow I'll be like the Elephant Man.” It went ping, ping, ping and flew away. Luckily it's my left hand.
Although the wasp is perceived as a pestilence, it is worth noting that it seems to have a golden touch when it comes to its victims.
Both Smith and Littler won their wasp-affected matches last year, as did Rydz on Monday. Trump may have lost his Masters match, but he scored a century with the beast on his back.
So is it a good or bad omen and where will it affect next?