World Matchplay

The pair’s all-time head-to-head might have been quite strongly in Anderson’s favour, but this match had the feeling of a close one from the off...

... 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...