Dubbed 'the greatest Sunday afternoon session in
World Matchplay history' by some, a stacked line-up will take centre stage at the Winter Gardens as the first round continues.
Starting proceedings off will see 'The Titan' take on 'Heavy Metal' as
Dirk van Duijvenbode faces Ryan Searle to open up the session.
A weird sight as Van Duijvenbode's mental walk-on will wake the crowd up ahead of a double session day but can the Dutchman continue to produce the form that saw him seal another ProTour title last week as will Searle seal an early scalp in Blackpool.
His World Cup teammate,
Danny Noppert follows who of course comes into the tournament as the UK Open champion and to some an outside bet for the title this week in a good quarter. He faces Brendan Dolan in his opener who himself added to his PDC title tally like 'Noppie' during the last Players Championships.
Then the former champion,
Gary Anderson responsible for some of the greatest games in recent memory on the prestigious stage will again weirdly take his spot in the afternoon session. An unheralded sight with 'The Flying Scotsman' usually involved in the evening session, he will face Daryl Gurney in one of the standout first round affairs.
Before another top name takes to the oche in
Michael Smith to end the session. 'Bully Boy' comes into this tournament off the back of some of the best months of his career as he looks to chase an illustrious maiden major title. He starts though against Andrew Gilding who makes his World Matchplay return.
'Goldfinger' has reached multiple finals this year and based on stats is one of the best players in the world this year but his prior TV record points to a potential Smith win but will it be a thumbs up from Gilding after a big shock or will 'Bully Boy' reign supreme?
Sunday July 17
Afternoon Session (1300 BST)
4x First Round
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Ryan Searle
Danny Noppert v Brendan Dolan
Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney
Michael Smith v Andrew Gilding