World Matchplay

... an impressive start to his quest for a maiden World Matchplay title with a comfortable 10-3 defeat of Stephen Bunting.

I could have closed it out earlier, but I still had the belief even when I went 10-9 down....

I did anticipate him to be a bit nervous at the start. I knew I had to capitalise at that point...

Early highlights include reigning champion Michael van Gerwen World number one Michael Smith and last year’s runner-up Gerwyn Price:

The 30th staging of the World Matchplay will see reigning champion Michael van Gerwen headlining the stellar 32-player field, which includes six former winners of the event...

Title sponsor Betfred annually support a charity with their fundraising activity at the event - and will again be backing Macmillan Cancer Support, after making a donation of £35,428

Let's have a look at some of those likely to light up the Winter Gardens stage during next week's Blackpool bonanza:

There is a strong opportunity for a new name on the trophy at this year's Blackpool darting jamboree. MVG, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, James Wade and Dimitri Van Den Bergh are the only previous winners...

The partnership will include on-stage branding and at-event activation by Village Hotel Club, as well as social media giveaways on Facebook and Instagram...