A quarter-finalist in 2011, Nicholson is back in the season-ending PDC European Tour event. A run to the semi-final of the Gibraltar Darts Trophy helped the Asset on his way to Dortmund. He'll meet Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the European Championship - it's something that the Newcastle-born man is used to.
"Every time I get into a big tournament, it seems like Michael's there to greet me in the first round!" Nicholson joked.
"It's a great opportunity. There's no pressure on me.
"I'm really looking forward to the prospect of playing Michael, especially with the form he's in, and I really can't wait."
Van Gerwen won the 13th and final European Tour event of 2018, the European Darts Trophy. The 8-3 win over James Wade further cemented his role as the overwhelming title favourite at the European Championship. Victory in Dortmund would see the Dutchman's earnings on the European Tour in the past three years above the million-pound mark.
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1051851695997759489