Michael van Gerwen resumed his quest for a first title in 2021 with a win over Damon Heta as 2,000 fans filled Winter Gardens following the lifting of COVID restrictions.
Michael van Gerwen starts his bid for a third World Matchplay crown on Monday, insisting he has nothing to prove despite his longest start to a year without a PDC title.
Second seed Peter Wright kicked off his World Matchplay bid with a thumping win over Danny Noppert, as Jose De Sousa set up a last-16 showdown against Michael Smith.
Luke Humphries caused the biggest shock of this year's World Matchplay, hammering James Wade 10-3 to send the world No 4 crashing out at the first hurdle.
Andy Fordham is gone, but he won't be forgotten. Wayne Mardle says darts will miss a legend after the 59-year-old died following a long battle with his health.
Former World Youth champion Luke Humphries is currently playing the darts of his life, and he spoke exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of his impending World Matchplay bow.
Gerwyn Price set up a blockbuster meeting with Welsh World Cup-winning team-mate Jonny Clayton as the World Matchplay returned to Blackpool in front of spectators.
Wayne Mardle previews the World Matchplay as Michael van Gerwen chases a first title of 2021, Gerwyn Price returns to the big stage and the sport returns to Blackpool.
Dimitri Van den Bergh vows to ensure he doesn't 'miss the train' as he prepares for his Winter Gardens bow as defending World Matchplay champion.
World champion Gerwyn Price is doing things differently this year as he adopts an all business approach to winning a World Matchplay title that has so far eluded him.
Former World Matchplay champion Colin Lloyd offers his predictions and picks out his players to watch ahead of the Winter Gardens showpiece event in Blackpool.
Ross Smith and Callan Rydz are two of the seven players set to make their debuts this weekend at the Winter Gardens - the theatre of darting dreams.
Peter Wright joins The Darts Show podcast to reflect on an emotional World Matchplay triumph, while Fallon Sherrock checks in after news on the Women's Series.
Peter Wright is confident of completing a World Championship and World Matchplay double this year as he prepares to make his Winter Gardens return on Sunday.
Defending champion Dimitri Van den Bergh, world champion Gerwyn Price and Premier League winner Jonny Clayton headline a bumper World Matchplay opening night.
Mensur Suljovic has withdrawn from next week's World Matchplay, and will be replaced in the field by Jermaine Wattimena.
Reigning champion Dimitri Van den Bergh will begin the defence of his World Matchplay title against Devon Petersen.
Peter Wright ensured Michael van Gerwen's PDC title drought continued with a 8-2 victory in a thrilling final event of this week's Super Series in Coventry.
Adrian Lewis, Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock and Stephen Bunting are among those vying to seal World Matchplay qualification at this week's PDC Super Series.
Ryan Searle joined the Darts Show podcast to chat PDC Super Series, his World Matchplay dream and practice sessions with darting idol Gary Anderson.