Former World Matchplay champion James Wade will begin his quest for further glory at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens with a first round clash against John Part, twice a runner-up in the prestigious tournament.

Wade, winner of seven major titles, has reached the final five times in his seven visits to the seaside town, including a narrow defeat at the hands of Phil Taylor in last year’s final.

Michael van Gerwen, who hit a nine-darter at the summer event last year, was drawn against 2005 winner Colin Lloyd.

Former European Champion Simon Whitlock, who was also a finalist in Germany last weekend, will resume his pursuit of a second major title when he takes on Jelle Klaasen in round one.

Robert Thornton will meet Ian White in Blackpool, while Paul Nicholson takes on Dave Chisnall and Mark Webster faces Justin Pipe.

2010 runner-up Raymond van Barneveld meets Mensur Suljovic in round one.

The tournament, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, takes place between July 20-28.

The schedule of play will be announced in due course.

BetVictor World Matchplay Draw Bracket
Phil Taylor (1) v Stuart Kellett
Terry Jenkins (16) v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld (8) v Mensur Suljovic
Justin Pipe (9) v Mark Webster
Simon Whitlock (5) v Jelle Klaasen
Kevin Painter (12) v Jamie Lewis
James Wade (4) v John Part
Mervyn King (13) v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen (2) v Colin Lloyd
Kim Huybrechts (15) v Peter Wright
Wes Newton (7) v Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall (10) v Paul Nicholson
Andy Hamilton (6) v Ronnie Baxter
Robert Thornton (11) v Ian White
Adrian Lewis (3) v Ronny Huybrechts
Brendan Dolan (14) v Steve Beaton

Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE

Simon Whitlock came close to successfully defending his European Championship title but lost out to Adrian Lewis in the final on Sunday.

‘The Wizard’ produced a fantastic run to the tournament decider, defeating Kim Huybrechts and Colin Lloyd before a sensational fightback in his quarter-final.

Whitlock trailed Jamie Caven 9-3 in the last eight but hit back, incredibly taking seven straight legs to seal a 10-9 victory, which he completed with a brilliant 146 finish.

He then saw off Ronny Huybrechts in the semi-finals but ran into a classy display from world number three Lewis, who took the title with a 10-6 victory.

Lewis also ended the hopes of Michael van Gerwen, who bowed out after a brilliant semi-final clash, in which the Dutch star hit nine 180s and took out a 150 finish.

van Gerwen had produced a majestic display in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-final, averaging 105 in his victory over Jelle Klaasen.

Robert Thornton missed out on a place in the last four when he lost a last leg decider against Ronny Huybrechts.

Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen progressed into the semi-finals of the European Darts Championship with sensational victories in Mulheim on Sunday afternoon.

Whitlock produced an amazing comeback fron 9-3 down to defeat Jamie Caven 10-9, winning the deciding leg with a sublime 146 checkout when his opponent was waiting on 56.

“That came from the heart,” said defending champion Whitlock, who will face Ronny Huybrechts this evening.

“I was thinking about when Andy Hamilton did it to me at the World Matchplay a couple of years ago and I just hung in there and weathered the storm.

“Jamie lost his way a bit when I started coming back and I do feel for him but I am the defending champion and I don’t want to let this title go.”

van Gerwen averaged 105 as he defeated Jelle Klaasen with a brilliant performance, which included seven 180s and a 136 finish for the world number two.

“I really wanted to win this game and I’m very happy to have won it,” said van Gerwen, who takes on Adrian Lewis in the last four.

“It was a quality game and I’m very pleased to be through to the semi-finals.

“I’m looking forward to tonight because I know I can play even better than this so hopefully I can keep on improving in this tournament.

“I think I am the favourite but that means nothing and I’ll make sure I’m prepared for a tough opponent.”

Robert Thornton was denied a semi-final spot after losing out in a last leg decider to Huybrechts.

Lewis defeated Andy Hamilton in the afternoon’s other match.

By Chris Murphy

Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE