World Matchplay: Michael van Gerwen to face Adrian Lewis with Peter Wright to open against Madars Razma | Darts News

Michael van Gerwen to face ‘Jackpot’ Adrian Lewis in a first-round blockbuster at the World Matchplay, while Peter Wright takes on Madars Razma the summer’s favourite event will be held from July 16-24 in Blackpool, as 32 players compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy

Michael van Gerwen will take on Adrian Lewis in the opening round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool – live on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen has been handed a blockbuster first-round clash with Adrian Lewis at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, while defending champion Peter Wright will face Madars Razma.

Van Gerwen famously sealed his first Premier League title since 2019 in June as he equalled Phil Taylor’s haul of six crowns.

And now the Dutchman will have his sights set on winning his third Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and his first since 2016 when he opens his campaign against 2013 finalist, Lewis.

The former two-time World Champion has shown signs of his former glories in recent months with the 37-year-old winning his first ranking title for over three years when he took victory in Players Championship 20 in Barnsley on Sunday.

The field comprises the top 16 from the PDC Order of Merit and 16 qualifiers from the ProTour Order of Merit, while prize money for the tournament has risen to £800,000 – an increase of £100,000 from the 2021 edition.

This includes a huge £200,000 to the winner, as reigning champion Peter Wright – also the World Champion – bids to defend his title.

‘Snakebite’ opens his campaign against Latvian Madars Razma, while Welshman Gerwyn Price takes on Martin Schindler of Germany.

Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, has a tricky opening fixture against two-time semi-finalist, Daryl Gurney.

The Draw

(1) Peter Wright vs Madars Razma

(2) Gerwyn Price vs Martin Schindler

(3) Michael Smith vs Andrew Gilding

(4) Michael van Gerwen vs Adrian Lewis

(5) James Wade vs Martin Lukeman

(6) Gary Anderson vs Daryl Gurney

(7) Jose De Sousa vs Gabriel Clemens

(8) Jonny Clayton vs Rowby-John Rodriguez

(9) Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Callan Rydz

(10) Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey

(11) Danny Noppert vs Brendan Dolan

(12) Luke Humphries vs Nathan Aspinall

(13) Joe Cullen vs Damon Heta

(14) Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Ryan Searle

(15) Dave Chisnall vs Kim Huybrechts

(16) Krzysztof Ratajski vs Stephen Bunting

Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. We’re back for the World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday, July 16 – live on Sky Sports Action.