The draw for the opening round of the World Matchplay is complete and has thrown up some blockbuster ties.
Here we look at the biggest clashes in the opening round of one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments.
5. Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Martin Schindler
Schindler has been one of the best players on the tour this year.
He captured his first senior PDC title in April, beating Gerwyn Price 8-5 in a European Tour final in Riesa.
Van den Bergh had a difficult start to the year but managed to click in to gear at the UK Open to lift the second major of his career.
‘The DreamMaker’ backed that up with another title last month, and the former World Matchplay Champion has hit form at the perfect time.
With the quality these players have produced this year, expect the winner of this match to have a deep run.
4. Luke Humphries vs Ricardo Pietreczko
A rematch of a feisty World Championship encounter.
Humphries battled a hostile crowd at Alexandra Palace when he clashed with Pietreczko in the last 32.
The German had a sea of support from his homeland which spurred him onto a 3-1 lead.
‘Cool Hand’ overturned the deficit to eventually win the match and the tournament, later proclaiming it was the most hostile atmosphere he’s played in.
Darts fans have long memories, and the Winter Gardens crowd may be pivotal again in this opening round encounter.
3. Jonny Clayton vs Raymond van Barneveld
Clayton was the runner-up last year in Blackpool but has struggled for form since.
He battled personal issues after his father passed away and has found it difficult to reproduce his best stuff.
The Welshman, however, captured his first title of the year yesterday and showed glimpses of the Clayton of old.
Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld has also been in the winner’s circle this year.
Whilst not at the peak of his powers, the Dutchman has proved he still has the ability to be a threat.
The legacies of these multiple major champions speak for themselves, and if both players can produce their best stuff then the Winter Gardens faithful are in for a classic.
2. Michael Smith vs Gary Anderson
The classic master versus the apprentice match-up.
‘The Flying Scotsman’ took Smith under his wing as a youngster and nurtured him into the superstar he has become.
Both players are immense scorers, and their firepower has catapulted both to World Championships.
Whilst it seemed the Scotsman was winding down his career, this year fans have been treated to vintage Anderson.
The 53-year-old has a catalogue of monster averages to his name this year and has picked up two titles.
‘The Bully Boy’ has matched this tally, including lifting the illustrious World Cup of Darts a few days ago.
Expect fireworks, maximums and dramatic doubles when these two darting powerhouses lock horns.
1. Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Littler
It just had to happen.
As soon as Michael van Gerwen’s name was pulled out of the hat, there was an air of inevitability that Luke Littler would follow.
The teenager has taken the darting world by storm since the World Championship and has already lifted six titles in his professional career.
He dethroned Van Gerwen in May to be crowned the new Premier League champion, shattering ‘Mighty Mike’s’ record to become the youngest winner of a PDC major.
The youngster along with Humphries have ended the Dutchman’s dominance of the sport, but Van Gerwen will be looking for revenge.
The 35-year-old will be buoyed by his winning record over Littler, picking up five victories in their nine tussles.
The three-time World Matchplay Champion will be extra motivated to avoid an opening round defeat after falling at the first hurdle last year to Brendan Dolan.
The hype will be significant as these heavyweights joust again, and history shows they will not disappoint.