Order of play confirmed for BetVictor World Matchplay darts in Blackpool

The draw and schedule for the BetVictor World Matchplay darts has been confirmed, with the all-Dutch tie between Michael van Gerwen and Jeffrey de Zwaan to headline the opening night on Saturday July 21.

The famous Winter Gardens will host its 25th World Matchplay over nine days, with 32 players competing for the newly-titled Phil Taylor Trophy.

The first round is split across the opening three days, including a double session on Sunday July 22, with a mouth-watering opening night set to see the tournament begin in style.

Former finalist Adrian Lewis will face James Wilson in the opening fixture, before four-time quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall takes on Keegan Brown.

World number one Van Gerwen then meets Blackpool debutant De Zwaan before 2018 Premier League finalist Michael Smith plays another debutant, Jonny Clayton.

Sunday’s afternoon session will see 2017 World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney take on Steve West.

Sunday evening’s play features reigning world champion Rob Cross and two-time World Champion Gary Anderson.

Last year’s runner-up Peter Wright begins his quest for a maiden Matchplay title on the final night of first-round action as he meets Jelle Klaasen, with former champion James Wade also playing Jermaine Wattimena on Monday evening.

The second round is split across Tuesday and Wednesday nights, with the players from the bottom half of the draw playing on Tuesday and those in the top half in action on Wednesday.

The quarter-finals are then split across Thursday and Friday, with the semi-finals on Saturday before the eagerly-awaited final on Sunday.

The total prize money is £500,000, including £115,000 to the eventual champion, with a £10,000 bonus on offer for a nine-dart finish.

Van Gerwen is the red-hot favourite with BetVictor to lift a third World Matchplay title at 4/6.

Anderson is the 7/1 joint-second-favourite alongside Cross, with Wright fourth at 10/1.

The BetVictor World Matchplay will be broadcast on Sky Sports.

For tickets, call the box-office on 0844 856 1111 or buy online at pdc.seetickets.com.