Darts World Championship 2016 preview: What time does it start, TV schedule, tickets and odds

Everything you need to know about the 2016 Darts World Championship

Gary Anderson celebrates after winning the 2015 Darts World Championship (Getty Images)

The 2016 PDC Darts World Championship begins on Thursday with Gary Anderson looking to defend the crown he won last year in one of the most competitive tournaments ever seen, with this year’s instalment promising to be even better.

Michael van Gerwen heads into the World Championships as the heavy favourite, but as previous years have shown anyone can emerge to take the spoils across two weeks of action.

Along with Anderson and Van Gerwen, 16-time world champion Phil Taylor is almost certain to be in contention, while Adrian Lewis, James Wade, Michael Smith and fan favourite Raymond van Barneveld are also likely to be in the mix.

Gary Anderson will defend the title he won at the Alexandra Palace last year (Getty Images)

With 18 days of darts set to keep fans entertained over the festive period, here’s everything you need to know about the 2016 Darts World Championship at the Alexandra Palace.

When is it on?

The action gets underway on 17 December and runs through to the final on 3 January, with just two rest days coming on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports will continue their coverage of the Darts World Championship and will broadcast every match live throughout the tournament. In a new addition, the broadcasters will transform Sky Sports F1 into Sky Sports Darts, giving the World Championships a new home for 2015-16. Former darts world champions Eric Bristow and John Part will be joined by fellow greats of the game in Wayne Mardle and Rod Harrington, with Sky Sports presenter Dave Clarke fronting the action.

Can I still buy tickets?

Yes, but you’ll have to be quick. A limited number of tickets are available for the early stages of the tournament, but all dates after the 28 December are already sold out. The PDC do offer a ticket exchange service for those who are unable to go to the event and want to re-sell their tickets. For more information visit the PDC’s official website here.

Who should I look out for?

It’s going to be difficult for anyone to stop ‘Mighty’ Michael van Gerwen, with the Dutchman heading into the tournament off the back of successive victories in the European Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts, the World Series of Darts Finals and the Players Championship.

Michael van Gerwen is the bookmakers' favourite for this year's tournament (Getty Images)

Phil Taylor is given the best odds of challenging Van Gerwen, although Gary Anderson is not far off either and with a championship to defend, the ‘Flying Scotsman’ can certainly up his game at the Ally Pally as he did 12 months ago.

Darts World Championship outright winner (courtesy of William Hill as of 16 December):

Michael van Gerwen – 5/4

Phil Taylor – 9/2

Gary Anderson – 7/1

Adrian Lewis – 20/1

James Wade – 25/1

Peter Wright – 28/1

Dave Chisnall – 35/1

Michael Smith – 60/1

Raymond van Barneveld – 60/1

Schedule:

Preliminary Round - Best of three sets

Round One - Best of five sets

Round Two - Best of seven sets

Round Three - Best of seven sets

Quarter-Finals - Best of nine sets

Semi-Finals - Best of 11 sets

Final - Best of 13 sets

*All sets are to be contested over the best of five legs