Schedule and preview Thursday session 2021 European Championship Darts featuring Wright and De Sousa

The next major tournament on the calendar is set to begin on Thursday evening in the form of the 2021 European Championship.

Last year saw the so called 'Uber session' with the first round completed in one session but this time around, it reverts back to the initial format with a Thursday start and two days to complete the first round.

Similar though to last year, the qualification for this tournament was done on the basis of only a few events and this means the likes of Jonny Clayton, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Ian White and Dave Chisnall among others miss out.

Starting proceedings off though in Salzburg will be Simon Whitlock who missed out on the World Grand Prix but has been keeping his practice going with involvement in local leagues.

He will face Scottish rising star William Borland who will look to take advantage of his opportunity in this tournament to dump out 'The Wizard'.

A potential cracker follows along as Brendan Dolan faces Kim Huybrechts, while similarly Rob Cross faces Keane Barry. First time winner this year, Callan Rydz will then take on multiple finalist, Luke Humphries with both making their debuts in the tournament.

The two biggest names follow on with Jose de Sousa facing Lewy Williams, while Peter Wright, the defending champion takes on German ace, Florian Hempel.

To finish the session, Mensur Suljovic will aim to continue his return to form when he faces Adam Hunt, while Joe Cullen will look to return to form altogether when he faces Ted Evetts.

2021 European Championship

Thursday October 14

Evening Session (2000 local time, 1900 BST)

First Round x8

Simon Whitlock v William Borland

Brendan Dolan v Kim Huybrechts

Rob Cross v Keane Barry

Luke Humphries v Callan Rydz

Jose de Sousa v Lewis Williams

Peter Wright v Florian Hempel

Mensur Suljovic v Adam Hunt

Joe Cullen v Ted Evetts