Seven players to make debut at World Matchplay

The World Matchplay field and draw have been confirmed ahead of the return of darting action to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

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Among the field include seven players set to make their debuts at the World Matchplay this time around.

These include Devon Petersen who of course had a breakout 2020 including his semi-final run at the European Championship and maiden European Tour win which saw him finish up second on the ProTour Order of Merit despite not being in the best form during 2021.

Damon Heta claimed a maiden ranking title last year and finished third on the ProTour Order of Merit behind Petersen and Brendan Dolan. He will be the only Australian representative this year with Simon Whitlock failing to qualify.

Dirk van Duijvenbode similar to Devon Petersen had a breakout year in 2020 including his maiden major final at the World Grand Prix but has added to that with a PDC ranking title during 2021 in Niedernhausen.

Ross Smith took it to the last minute in his quest for the World Matchplay with 'Smudger' claiming his maiden ranking title during the last Super Series in Coventry after a 16 year career in the PDC. He will make his debut.

As will Luke Humphries who has made four PDC ranking finals this season alone as well as the UK Open final losing to James Wade who he will face at the Winter Gardens.

Ryan Searle will also be involved with 'Heavy Metal' in some insanely good form as evidenced by the last Super Series. He claimed his maiden title last year.

Finally Callan Rydz who also has claimed a maiden ranking title during 2021 only just got into the field partly due to him missing out on Niedernhausen due to his Covid test status expiring as he got on the plane but 'The Riot' will face fellow North East ace, Glen Durrant on his debut.

While defending champion, Dimitri van den Bergh is among those set to make his Winter Gardens debut so it will be not only debutants but first timers in Blackpool set to battle for the Phil Taylor trophy.

Debutants at 2021 World Matchplay

Devon Petersen

Damon Heta

Dirk van Duijvenbode

Ross Smith

Luke Humphries

Ryan Searle

Callan Rydz