World Matchplay Darts 2024: Schedule, format, players list, TV channel, live stream as Littler makes debut THIS WEEKEND

THE World Matchplay returns to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool THIS WEEKEND – but could be interrupted by Euro 2024.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take part in the event for the first time after taking the world of darts by storm at the world championships earlier this year.

The top 16 players from the PDC Order of Merit are invited to compete at the World Matchplay.

And the 16 top players on the PDC ProTour Order of Merit will complete the 32-player field.

Last year, Nathan Aspinall beat Jonny Clayton 18-6 to win the prestigious title for the first time in his career and take home the £200,000 jackpot.

But when will the World Matchplay take place this year and who is competing?

When does the World Matchplay take place?

• The World Matchplay will begin on Saturday, July 13.
• And tournament will run until Sunday, July 21.
• The Winter Gardens in Blackpool will host.
• However, if England get to the final of Euro 2024 the schedule on Sunday is set to change.

What TV channel is the World Matchplay on and can it be live streamed?

• The World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena.
• Sky Sports customers can live stream the action via the Sky Sports or NOW app.
• Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for all the latest from the Winter Gardens.

What is the World Matchplay format?

The World Matchplay is a legs format, with the number of legs required to win increasing as the rounds go on.

Each match must be won by two clear legs unless the score is level after six legs.

• Round 1: first to 10 legs (sudden death at 12-12)
• Round 2: first to 11 legs (sudden death at 13-13)
• Quarter-finals: first to 16 legs (sudden death at 18-18)
• Semi-finals: first to 17 legs (sudden death at 19-19)
• Final: first to 18 legs (sudden death at 20-20)

World Matchplay schedule

First round (best of 19 legs)

Saturday, July 13 (7.30pm BST)
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse

Sunday, July 14
Afternoon Session (1pm BST)
Ross Smith v Josh Rock
Danny Noppert v James Wade
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Martin Schindler
Stephen Bunting v Ryan Joyce

*If England get to the final of Euro 2024 the first session will be changed to 10am-2pm

Evening Session (7pm BST)
Rob Cross v Gian van Veen
Joe Cullen v Brendan Dolan
Peter Wright v Andrew Gilding
Dave Chisnall v Krzysztof Ratajski

*If England get to the final of Euro 2024 the second session will be changed to 4pm-8pm

Monday, July 15 (7pm BST)
Damon Heta v Ryan Searle
Michael Smith v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler
Chris Dobey v Ritchie Edhouse

Second round (best of 21 legs)

July 16-17 (from 7pm BST)

Quarter-finals (best of 31 legs)

July 18-19 (from 8pm BST)

Semi-finals (best of 33 legs)

July 20 (from 8pm BST)

Final (best of 35 legs)

July 21 (from 8pm BST)