PDC World Darts Championship day 1 preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and full order of play

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

Current world champion and number two seed Gary Anderson (Getty Images)

Gary Anderson will begin the defence of his title when the 2016 PDC William Hill World Darts Championship opens at Alexandra Palace in London on Thursday night.

The Scotsman emerged victorious from a pulsating final against record 16-time winner Phil Taylor to claim his first world championship in January and, despite a mixed year on the oche, will be hoping to repeat his triumph in two-and-a-half weeks time.

Anderson will start with a first round tie against either Andy Boulton or Per Laursen, who open the tournament’s proceedings with a preliminary match.

Fourth seed Peter Wright is also in action on the opening night and makes up one half of, arguably, the tastiest first round tie. The runner-up of two years ago faces a tough test from Keegan Brown, last year’s Young Player of the Year and 2014’s World Youth Champion.

In the opening night’s other match, Daryl Gurney, who claimed a shock knock-out victory over Anderson in the recent Players Championship finals, takes on Jamie Lewis. The victor will go on to meet the current world champion in the next round.

Order of play

Thursday December 17 (7pm-11pm)
1x Preliminary Round, 3x First Round

Andy Boulton v Per Laursen
Jamie Lewis (31) v Daryl Gurney
Peter Wright (4) v Keegan Brown
Gary Anderson (2) v Boulton/Laursen

Where can I watch it?

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

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