Overview

• A 32-player field has been finalized, featuring 16 seeds from the PDC Order of Merit and 16 qualifiers via the ProTour Order of Merit.
• Michael Smith failed to reach the necessary semi-finals in Leicester, ending his uninterrupted World Matchplay streak since 2013.
• Damon Heta and Bradley Brooks earned the final ProTour berths by winning Players Championship 20 and 21 respectively in Leicester.
• The opening-round draw sets up Michael van Gerwen versus Raymond van Barneveld and pairs Luke Littler with Ryan Searle among other high-profile ties.
• The Betfred World Matchplay runs July 19–27 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, with £200,000 awarded to the champion.