Michael van Gerwen faces Jamie Caven in World Matchplay draw

By Stephen Turner

Image: Michael van Gerwen begins the defence of his World Matchplay title against Jamie Caven

Defending champion Michael van Gerwen will begin his World Matchplay campaign against Jamie Caven in Blackpool.

The Dutchman ended Phil Taylor's seven-year monopoly on the trophy last year and opens up against Caven, who has never been beyond the last 16.

Taylor, the 15-time champion, is up against Robbie Green in a first round that pits second seed Gary Anderson against Alan Norris.

Image: Phil Taylor is a 15-time Matchplay champion

Barry Hearn and Keith Deller drew out the balls live on Sky Sports News HQ on Thursday morning and came up with some mouth-watering matches.

Adrian Lewis starts against former BDO world champion Mark Webster while James Wade - runner-up last year and on four other occasions - faces former semi-finalist Mervyn King.

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The tournament runs from July 16-24 live on Sky Sports.

Live World Matchplay Darts

First-round draw

Also See:

Jelle Klaasen (10) v Steve Beaton
Peter Wright (5) v Joe Cullen
James Wade (6) v Mervyn King
Gary Anderson (2) v Alan Norris
Stephen Bunting (14) v Mensur Suljovic
Ian White (12) v Daryl Gurney
Dave Chisnall (9) v Benito van de Pas
Kim Huybrechts (13) v Gerwyn Price
Raymond van Barneveld (11) v Brendan Dolan
Adrian Lewis (4) v Mark Webster
Vincent van der Voort (16) v Kyle Anderson
Phil Taylor (3) v Robbie Green
Robert Thornton (8) v Josh Payne
Terry Jenkins (15) v Justin Pipe
Michael Smith (7) v Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen (1) v Jamie Caven

By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.

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