The draw for the the Betfair World Matchplay took place on Sunday evening, with Speedy Services UK Open winner Robert Thornton handed a first round clash against World Champion Adrian Lewis.
James Hubbard’s reward for qualifying for the £400,000 tournament is a round one tie against world number five Wes Newton, while James Wade, who won the title in 2007 faces ‘The Prince of Wales’ Richie Burnett, whose compatriot Mark Webster takes on Colin Lloyd.
McCoy’s Premier League runner-up Simon Whitlock will face Michael van Gerwen in a repeat of their 2012 Ladbrokes World Championship quarter-final, which ‘The Wizard’ won.
Raymond van Barneveld, who heads to The Winter Gardens fresh from victory in the European Darts Open, takes on Michael Smith, while World Cup finalist Paul Nicholson is pitted against Andy Smith.
Vincent van der Voort, who returned to the top 16 at the weekend, meets Ian White in round one, with Mervyn King facing the task of toppling number one seed Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.
The Betfair World Matchplay will be played from July 21-29 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, when 32 players will compete for the £100,000 title.
By Chris Murphy
Betfair World Matchplay
First Round Draw & Tournament Bracket*
Adrian Lewis (2) v Robert Thornton
Paul Nicholson (15) v Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld (7) v Michael Smith
Terry Jenkins (10) v Kim Huybrechts
Simon Whitlock (6) v Michael van Gerwen
Kevin Painter (11) v Steve Beaton
James Wade (3) v Richie Burnett
Mark Walsh (14) v Colin Osborne
Phil Taylor (1) v Mervyn King
Vincent van der Voort (16) v Ian White
Andy Hamilton (8) v Brendan Dolan
Mark Webster (9) v Colin Lloyd
Wes Newton (5) v James Hubbard
Justin Pipe (12) v Joe Cullen
Gary Anderson (4) v Dean Winstanley
Dave Chisnall (13) v Ronnie Baxter
* Bold text denotes MODUS associated players
The schedule of play is likely to be confirmed on Tuesday July 10.
