"I can't actually complain, this is quite a good draw" - Niels Zonneveld hoping for first World Darts Championship win when he takes on Darren Webster

Niels Zonneveld has qualified for the PDC World Darts Championship for the second year in a row. The 25-year-old Dutchman will take on Darren Webster in the opening round.

For Zonneveld it will be his third appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship, in his two previous appearances at Alexandra Palace he went out in the first round each time. Webster, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience, as this will be his eleventh appearance at the showpiece event. After a disappointing year, the now 55-year-old Englishman managed to qualify through the Tour Card holders qualification tournament. Webster managed to reach the quarter-finals at the World Darts Championship twice in the past, most recently in 2018.

"It could be better, but also worse," Zonneveld analyses to Viaplay about his draw. "No, I can't actually complain, this is quite a good draw. "

For Zonneveld, Webster is already no stranger. "I have known Darren for several years from on the Pro Tour and know what to expect," he continued. "So I won't be taken by surprise."

Zonneveld, who has never managed to win a set at the World Darts Championship, will do some extra hours of practice in the lead up this year. "It's not like I'm following a special schedule, but subconsciously I will be at the practice board for some extra hours. After all, I want to look good at Alexandra Palace. I've had a pretty good year and hugely looking forward to doing well at the World Championship as well."

The winner of the duel between Zonneveld and Webster will take on 16th-seeded Englishman Ross Smith in the second round.

The PDC World Darts Championship gets underway on Friday, December 15. The match between Zonneveld and Webster is scheduled for December 17 in the evening session.