Taylor to begin world title defence on opening night

Phil Taylor’s defence of his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship title will begin on Thursday December 16th.

‘The Power’ – who is huge favourite at 8/15 – will face either Gary Mawson or Juanito Gionzon on the opening night of the tournament. Also taking to the Alexandra Palace stage on the 16th will be Steve Beaton, who defeated Taylor in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts last month.

Second favourite, James Wade (8/1), will play Antonio Alcinas on Monday 20th, while 2007 winner Raymond van Barneveld (12/1) will face Steve Hine on the 22nd.

The last games of the opening round will take place on the 23rd before a break for Christmas, with the tournament recommencing on the 27th.

You too could be taking to the oche in front of a packed Ally Pally – if you enter the Ladbrokes Lads Cup.

All you need to do is fill out this application form in the wittiest way you can and hope your efforts impress our panel of experts – Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Anastasia Dobromyslova and Russ Bray.

If you win, then not only will you get to show the world what you’re made of at the world’s greatest darts venue, but you’ll also receive a host of other brilliant prizes, including free entry to the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship on the day you are scheduled to play, £250 expenses and free beer!

Entries need to be in by Sunday though, so you’d better get moving!

So, what are you waiting for? Click here to enter the Ladbrokes Lads Cup