European Darts Grand Prix schedule - Day One, evening session

It's a testament to the strength in depth of PDC darts that major champions and 2018 title winners are subjected to unseeded status. As a result, some big names are going head-to-head for the right to compete in the second round. Peter Wright took the title in Sindelfingen last year; even he and Michael van Gerwen are fallible. The list of potential European Darts Grand Prix champions runs almost as long as the list of competitors.
The first tie of the evening is case in point. Krzyzstof Ratajski, World Masters and UK Open Qualifier 6 champion, plays former Lakeside finalist Danny Noppert. When the pair met at the German Darts Grand Prix, it was underwhelming to say the least. But they both have the ability to produce the complete opposite. Jermaine Wattimena is normally worth a watch in any situation. The quick-fire Dutchman faces a tricky opponent in Toni Alcinas.
Just to hammer home the fact this is a star-strewn opening round, the next tie features a World Championship semi-finalist. Jamie Lewis hasn't hit the heights in 2018 so far, but he should be able to see off home nation qualifier Christian Bunse. Another qualifier is Mareno Michels, who finished 9th in the European Order of Merit five years ago. He's back on the scene after a European Tour hiatus, and Jamie Caven will be there to welcome him back.
The second half of the evening should feature plenty of fireworks. Step forward new world record holder Ricky Evans and notorious power-scorer Kyle Anderson. If they're both at their free-flowing best, the Sindelfingen crowd will be treated to a classic. That's arguably the tie of the night. Another candidate is German Darts Open champion Max Hopp meeting James Wade, who is consistently excellent - and also consistently a stone's throw from being a seed. The winner of that tie meets John Henderson; hardly the most intimidating seed, even if he is a cult hero.
Then comes Dawson Murschell for his European Tour debut. While his career takes off, Paul Nicholson is attempting a renaissance for his. The player-cum-pundit has all the experience on his side, but Murschell is a mercurial talent. Rounding off the night is another home nation hopeful, Robert Marijanovic. He takes on Andy Boulton.
The action kicks off at 6.15pm and is live on PDC TV.

Danny Noppert v Krzysztof Ratajski
Jermaine Wattimena v Toni Alcinas
Jamie Lewis v Christian Bunse
Jamie Caven v Mareno Michels
Ricky Evans v Kyle Anderson
James Wade v Max Hopp
Dawson Murschell v Paul Nicholson
Robert Marijanovic v Andy Boulton