Schedule Friday evening 2022 US Darts Masters including Van Gerwen-Van Dongen, Wright-Baggish and Sherrock-Gates

The World Series of Darts is finally set to return on Friday evening with the US Darts Masters beginning at Hulu Theater inside the historic Madison Square Garden.

A site that many sporting greats have adorned including recently the historic Katie Taylor - Amanda Serrano fight in boxing, two out of three Ali Frazier fights, the recent Anthony Joshua - Andy Ruiz fight and now Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and the top darting stars have soaked in the atmosphere of the Big Apple.

Seen by many as a humble pub sport, darts has made its presence known with billboards in Times Square and a heavy media involvement all week but the time for action is now.

Starting at midnight UK time, it will be shown live for PDCTV subscribers with ITV showing delayed coverage tomorrow. But DartsNews will release live reports so there will be spoilers.

Read also

How to watch 2022 US Darts Masters including Van Gerwen, Price, Wright and Sherrock

Michael Smith has been one of the least talked about players in the run-up but is potentially the one with the most form heading in having sealed a first Premier League night and the Dutch Darts Championship. He also begins with a simpler test on paper than many with Doug Boehm, an unknown compared to the rest of the qualifiers up first.

While following that, the PDC names might have a tough examination as James Wade who is likely still getting back to full fitness facing former North American champion and World finalist, Jeff Smith.

Gary Anderson will have his work cut out also when he faces Smith's World Cup partner for Canada and recent ProTour finalist, Matt Campbell who is known for his big stage play also having impressed at Ally Pally in the past so any slip from 'The Flying Scotsman' will be pounced upon.

Much of the build up has revolved around three players in particular in New York who all play back to back in Fallon Sherrock with 'The Queen of the Palace' finally getting her chance to play the World Series tour this year.

Receiving criticism in some junctures for her inclusion despite being priorly promised it, Sherrock will aim to block that out as she has done before and let her darts do the talking as she faces 'Soldier' Leonard Gates. Often a player who promises so much but doesn't deliver on the stage but can he send the Queen of the Palace home early?

Read also

Sherrock on social media criticism surrounding World Series inclusion: "If the shoe was on the other foot, people would take it"

Danny Baggish will also have designs on doing the same. Personal issues have prevented 'The Gambler' from playing as of late but he will return with a fresh impetus on home soil also representing his country for the first time this month at the World Cup of Darts.

He faces Peter Wright who discussed designs to show why he is the World Number One and World Champion in the run-up but his form hasn't show it as of late. Can he turn a corner in the States?

Michael van Gerwen's time on the oche is now limited with arm surgery meaning that the Dutch king will miss the World Cup of Darts and potentially further tournaments with designs likely on the World Matchplay.

He will play in New York and at Premier League finals night but can Jules van Dongen take advantage of MVG's troubles?

David Cameron just last weekend won the World Seniors Darts Masters and will now get the US Darts Masters which he had priorly qualified for as his next opportunity. He faces Gerwyn Price who like Peter Wright has been in no form and 'Excalibur' as he showed at the Lakeside will take advantage.

Finally Jonny Clayton will also get his World Series chance with the multiple major champion only confirmed for a few of the dates despite his whirlwind 2021 so will hope to make an impression. He faces a whirlwind player in Danny Lauby in potentially the match of the night to end it all.

Schedule of Play

Friday June 3

Evening Session (1900 EST - 00:00 BST)

US Darts Masters

First Round

Michael Smith v Doug Boehm

James Wade v Jeff Smith

Gary Anderson v Matt Campbell

Fallon Sherrock v Leonard Gates

Peter Wright v Danny Baggish

Michael van Gerwen v Jules van Dongen

Gerwyn Price v David Cameron

Jonny Clayton v Danny Lauby