The pre-Christmas period at this year’s PDC World Championship will feature nine days of first and second round action from December 15-23.
The top 32 players from the PDC Order of Merit will enter the tournament in the second round, with the ProTour Order of Merit qualifiers taking on the International representatives in round one.
Fourth seed Michael Smith begins his campaign on Friday December 16, and the two-time runner-up heads to Alexandra Palace brimming with confidence following his Grand Slam of Darts triumph.
Beau Greaves will also feature in Friday’s evening session when she plays former World Cup of Darts finalist William O’Connor in a blockbuster first round showdown.
Greaves will become the youngest woman to feature at the World Darts Championship, after winning eight consecutive PDC Women’s Series titles to seal her qualification in unprecedented style.
“I am really looking forward to it. I will just enjoy the moment,” said Greaves, who won 52 consecutive matches at the Women’s Series to book her place at Alexandra Palace.
“I don’t fear anyone because just being here is a bonus. If I play really well, I can beat anyone.
“This year has been my best year without a doubt. This is only the beginning, so I’m looking forward to whatever’s to come.”
This year marks the 30th staging of the PDC World Championship, as 96 players from around the world compete for £2.5 million in prize money and the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.
The festive feast of darts – which runs from Thursday December 15 through to the final on Tuesday January 3 – will see 22 debutants and 28 countries represented in the global showpiece.
Alongside the £500,000 top prize for the eventual champion, players will again be competing to win a special £50,000 bonus on offer from PDC partner Selco, for the first player to hit two nine-dart finishes in this year’s event.
Should a player achieve that feat – which would be a World Championship first – a further £50,000 would be shared between one lucky fan who registered via www.selcobw.com/info/100kdarts and Selco’s nominated charity, Cancer Research UK.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
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Inages: PDC
