CAVEN OPENER FOR VAN GERWEN AS BETVICTOR WORLD MATCHPLAY BEGINS
THE 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay begins on Saturday, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen up against Jamie Caven as the prestigious 450,000 pound tournament opens at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The world number one finally claimed the World Matchplay title 12 months ago, bouncing back from his loss in the 2014 final to Phil Taylor when he overcame James Wade 18-12 to lift the coveted trophy.
Having won 11 tournaments so far in 2016, the Dutchman begins his defence of the title against Caven as the 11/10 pre-tournament favourite with sponsors BetVictor on the first of nine nights' action at the Winter Gardens, live on Sky Sports.
"It was amazing to win the World Matchplay last year and a very proud moment for me because this is such a massive tournament, but this is a new event and I have to make sure I prepare properly," said van Gerwen, who also hit a nine-darter in the 2012 World Matchplay.
"Jamie is a really good player and we've had some close matches recently so I know it will be tough, but I believe that if I can play my game I can win. This is a fantastic event and everyone looks forward to it. It's a wonderful place to play darts and I can't wait to get back there."
Saturday's opening night also sees reigning World Grand Prix champion Robert Thornton out to break an unwanted record when he takes on debutant Josh Payne, with the number eight seed having never won previously in six World Matchplay appearances.
World number nine Dave Chisnall takes on Dutch ace Benito van de Pas, while Saturday's opening fixture sees number 16 seed Vincent van der Voort up against Australian Kyle Anderson, who is making his second successive Winter Gardens appearance.
Sunday will see a double session of action as the first round continues, with World Champion Gary Anderson beginning his challenge against Alan Norris as he bids to follow up three World Series of Darts titles recently with triumph in the second oldest PDC major.
"I don't know what it is but I've never seemed to do well in Blackpool before," says Anderson. "To win any tournament is a big boost so I'm feeling good going into the World Matchplay this year after winning in Japan. There's some cracking draws and you never know what's going to happen, but I'll be giving it my best shot. There are so many quality players now and I think there might be quite a few upsets."
2007 champion James Wade, a five-time finalist in the past decade, takes on Mervyn King in Sunday night's opener, and admits: "It's my favourite tournament and favourite format.
The crowd are amazing and so is the venue, it's a lovely thing to be involved with. Every player in the competition has the ability to win a few matches so you've got to be at your best to do well."
Former finalist Adrian Lewis, the number four seed, takes on Mark Webster in another high-profile clash on Sunday evening, while world number five Peter Wright, a semi-finalist 12 months ago, is up against resurgent youngster Joe Cullen.
Sunday's afternoon session includes two-time finalist Terry Jenkins' clash with Justin Pipe, 2015 quarter-finalists Mensur Suljovic and Gerwyn Price up against Stephen Bunting and Kim Huybrechts respectively and Ian White's meeting with debutant Daryl Gurney.
The first round concludes on Monday evening, with 15-time World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor in action against Merseyside's Robbie Green, who was the final player to secure qualification for the tournament earlier this month.
Taylor is an ever-present in Blackpool since the tournament began in 1994, and said: "It's my favourite tournament and my favourite venue.
"I enjoy the World Matchplay more than any other tournament, I seem to be relaxed there, it's close to home for me because I've got a place just around the corner and I love the area.I love the Winter Gardens. It makes you concentrate and try hard, because the darts fans who come t here are very knowledgable and they know exactly what's going on, so it's one of those tournaments you want to play well in."
Number seven seed Michael Smith meets two-time semi-finalist Simon Whitlock, 2010 runner-up Raymond van Barneveld plays Brendan Dolan and Dutch ace Jelle Klaasen comes up against another former Lakeside Champion, Steve Beaton.