Dutch Darts Masters Schedule - Day One, afternoon session

Mighty Mike claimed the title in 2017. That was after claiming it in 2016. The 2016 title was just retained, as van Gerwen was the 2015 champ. And you'll never guess who won in 2014. The world number one is gunning for a fifth consecutive title on home soil. A winner of two European Tour titles already, he is the favourite to claim a hat-trick. Having dropped just three legs in the last three finals in Zwolle, the question is whether there is another serious pretender to the Dutch Darts Masters crown.
The first 16 players to stake their claim do so on Friday afternoon. Ryan Joyce, a figure of consistency in Pro Tour events this season, kicks off the afternoon session. His opponent is German veteran Michael Rosenauer. The 51-year-old from Gütersloh, who made his sole World Championship appearance a decade ago, isn't a regular on the European Tour. Compatriot Dragutin Horvat aims to be just that, and a win over Antonio Alcinas would help his cause. James Richardson, who has been largely absent from the spotlight since his Ally Pally run in December, then takes on Irish ace Jason Cullen. The fourth game marks a proud moment for Adam Huckvale, making his European Tour debut against home favourite Jermaine Wattimena.
Jamie Lewis reached the quarter-finals of the European Darts Grand Prix last time out. He'll be hoping for more of the same, but Wayne Jones can be a tough opponent. The winner faces Kim Huybrechts, the last name to go on the Dutch Darts Masters trophy other than van Gerwen's. Nordic & Baltic qualifier Johan Engstrom makes his bow in Zwolle against renowned biscuit enthusiast James Wilson, with the winner meeting Peter Wright in the second round. The seventh tie is a meeting between 24-year-old prodigies, as Steve Lennon takes on Rowby-John Rodriguez. Christian Kist's heartening triumph over arthritis makes him perhaps the most popular home nation qualifier. He faces a tough clash with Kyle Anderson.
The action begins at 12pm, and is live on PDC TV.

Ryan Joyce v Michael Rosenauer
Toni Alcinas v Dragutin Horvat
James Richardson v Jason Cullen
Adam Huckvale v Jermaine Wattimena
Wayne Jones v Jamie Lewis
Johan Engstrom v James Wilson
Steve Lennon v Rowby-John Rodriguez
Christian Kist v Kyle Anderson