Draw confirmed for 2023 World Matchplay: Defending champion Van Gerwen opens title defence against Dolan in Blackpool

The draw has been confirmed ahead of the 2023 World Matchplay which will take place between July 15-23 at the historic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

This after the final tournament before the cut-off which was the European Darts Matchplay in Trier. Albeit Kim Huybrechts hung on to the final spot, but Raymond van Barneveld and Steve Beaton booked their returns.

Michael van Gerwen is the defending champion albeit will be a new look with potential braces after dental surgery for the World Number Three. He begins against Brendan Dolan.

Michael Smith is top seed as World Number One and faces Steve Beaton. While Gerwyn Price will aim to add this trophy to his collection and he faces Stephen Bunting.

Currently off in Las Vegas instead of Poland this week on holiday, Peter Wright will defend his win from two years ago and faces UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.

While in a top tie, Dave Chisnall will face Gary Anderson, the former winner in Blackpool. Van Barneveld takes on Ryan Searle as he did on the European Tour this past weekend.

As other top ties feature Damon Heta facing Josh Rock, Luke Humphries taking on Jose de Sousa and Jonny Clayton will lock horns with German Giant Gabriel Clemens.

(1) Michael Smith v Steve Beaton

(16) James Wade v Chris Dobey

(8) Danny Noppert v Martin Schindler

(9) Nathan Aspinall v Krzysztof Ratajski

(4) Gerwyn Price v Stephen Bunting

(13) Joe Cullen v Mike De Decker

(5) Rob Cross v Daryl Gurney

(12) Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson

(2) Peter Wright v Andrew Gilding

(15) Ryan Searle v Raymond van Barneveld

(7) Jonny Clayton v Gabriel Clemens

(10) Dimitri van den Bergh v Ross Smith

(3) Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan

(14) Damon Heta v Josh Rock

(6) Luke Humphries v Jose de Sousa

(11) Dirk van Duijvenbode v Kim Huybrechts