Schedule and preview Wednesday evening 2022 PDC World Darts Championship including defending champion Price and Lewis

Christmas officially starts today with the yearly tradition of Dartsmas set to begin. From December 15 - January 3, top quality tungsten is set with the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship.

Despite fears about further restrictions due to the Omicron variant, it is almost a return to normal this year for fans taking the pilgrimage up the hill to Ally Pally.

That was also the case last year when fans were only in for the opening night but for the time being, a move behind closed doors doesn't seem as likely.

Gerwyn Price won the World Darts Championship for the first time in his career and as tradition dictates, he will defend on opening night.

It is also the only night when a player will play both first and second round as Price will face the winner of the opening game between Ritchie Edhouse and Peter Hudson.

Edhouse some see as a potential dark horse to slay the World Number One, while Hudson makes his first appearance since the 2013 edition after being a late call-up to replace Lihao Wen who could not get his visa.

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Tournament centre 2022 PDC World Darts Championship: Schedule, results, prize money breakdown and TV guide

Nitin Kumar is set for his return to the World Darts Championship following that opening tie as the India Qualifier is one of the lucky International Qualifiers to make it over.

He has not won a set yet at Ally Pally but will receive a third chance against Ricky Evans who has not been in his best form this year and could be vulnerable. This could play into the hands of Kumar.

While before the World Champion takes to the stage comes one of the hotly anticipated first round clashes as two-time World Champion, Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis faces Matt Campbell.

Lewis has dropped to 34th in the Order of Merit but has shown the game is still there but faces a tough opponent in Campbell who won the EU Challenge Tour and acquitted himself well on this stage notably pushing Scott Waites last year. The winner won't get it any easier though with Gary Anderson awaiting.

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Wednesday December 15 (1900 GMT)

3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Ritchie Edhouse v Peter Hudson (R1)

Ricky Evans v Nitin Kumar (R1)

Adrian Lewis v Matt Campbell (R1)

Gerwyn Price v Edhouse/Hudson (R2)