PDC World Championship day 2 preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and what's the order of play?

A look ahead to the second night of the 2016 PDC William Hill World Darts Championship

World number one Michael van Gerwen (Getty Images)

Michael van Gerwen’s attempt to claim a second career world title will begin today on the second day of the 2016 PDC William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The Dutchman, who won the tournament in 2014 and is widely recognised among bookmakers and pundits as this year’s outright favourite, should face little resistance from either Thanawat Gaweenuntawong or Rene Eidams, who vie for the opportunity to take on the world number one in an earlier preliminary round match.

The day’s play begins with two other qualifiers, Quiang Sun and Mick McGowan, competing for a place in the first round against Mark Webster.

Crowd favourite John Henderson’s clash against Darren Webster and Justin Pipe’s encounter with former BDO World Darts Championship winner Christian Kist complete the afternoon’s proceedings.

In the evening session, seeded entrants Brendan Dolan and Kim Huybrechts may not have it all their own way against Kyle Anderson and David Pallett respectively.

Anderson, in particular, has fond memories of Alexandra Palace, having notched a nine-dart finish against Ian White in the 2014 edition of the World Championships.

Order of play

Friday December 18
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
1x Preliminary Round, 3x First Round

Qiang Sun v Mick McGowan
John Henderson v Darren Webster
Justin Pipe v Christian Kist
Mark Webster v Sun/McGowan

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
1x Preliminary Round, 3x First Round

Thanawat Gaweenuntawong v Rene Eidams
Brendan Dolan v Kyle Anderson
Kim Huybrechts v David Pallett
Michael van Gerwen v Gaweenuntawong/Eidams

Where can I watch it?

Live on the Sky Sports Darts channel, which has replaced the Sky Sports F1 channel for tournament's duration.

Friday night's action will also be simulcasted on Sky Sports 2.