Michael van Gerwen and James Wade will do battle in the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters on Thursday evening, as the Dutch ace begins his defence of the World Series title.

World number one van Gerwen claimed the inaugural crown a year ago when he defeated compatriot Raymond van Barneveld in the final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The reigning World Champion will take on seven-time PDC major winner Wade in the quarter-finals, where Australian star Simon Whitlock will face Dave Chisnall.

van Barneveld takes on Adrian Lewis, while Phil Taylor meets Peter Wright in the other last eight clashes.

The winner of the van Gerwen versus Wade tie will take on van Barneveld or Lewis. If Whitlock progresses, he will meet Taylor or Wright in the semi-finals.

By Chris Murphy

Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters
Thursday May 29
8pm local time (5pm BST)

Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Dave Chisnall
Phil Taylor v Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade

(Best of 19 legs)

Friday May 30
8pm local time (5pm BST)

Semi-Finals
van Gerwen/Wade v Lewis/van Barneveld
Taylor/Wright v Whitlock/Chisnall

(Best of 21 legs)

Final

(Best of 21 legs)

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