Michael van Gerwen has been given a £200,000 headache by Luke Littler.
Two of the biggest names in darts will go head-to-head in the first round of the World Matchplay later this month. The pair are scheduled to clash on the third day of the tournament, which kicks off on July 13.
Despite Littler’s meteoric rise since his blistering run to the final at the World Championship, he currently sits 25th in the world rankings as events like the Premier League, which he won, and the World Series don’t carry ranking points. The Nuke comfortably secured his spot in Blackpool due to his Pro Tour success and was bound to draw one of the 16 seeds in the first round. MVG is the unlucky seed, which could negatively impact his ranking.
READ MORE: Get your ultimate 40-page PDC World Matchplay Darts preview now
READ MORE: Michael van Gerwen branded ‘big mouth’ as World Cup of Darts ace reveals backstage comment
Van Gerwen bagged £200,000 for winning the Matchplay in 2022. But as the PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money over two years, the Dutchman will be defending that sum this year.
His daunting draw against Littler means he faces a difficult task to progress beyond the first round, let alone clinch the title. An early exit would see the three-time world champion slip down to third in the rankings.
Who are you backing to win the World Matchplay? Tell us in the comments section below
(Image: PA)
Elsewhere, Nathan Aspinall and world champ Luke Humphries are set to kick off the tournament on July 13. Aspinall will start his title defence against newcomer Luke Woodhouse, as he aims to join the ranks of Rod Harrington, Phil Taylor and Van Gerwen in securing consecutive World Matchplay victories.
Top seed Humphries begins his challenge against Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, with former finalists Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Raymond van Barneveld also making an appearance. Clayton is up against five-time world champion Van Barneveld, while 2022 finalist Price is set to play Daryl Gurney.
After a double session on Sunday, the first round will wrap up with a star-studded session on Monday, July 15. In addition to the Van Gerwen-Littler clash, world number three Michael Smith and 2018 champion Gary Anderson will go head-to-head in another heavyweight showdown. Meanwhile, Australia’s top player Damon Heta is set to face Ryan Searle.