Gerwyn Price Faces Martin Schindler in PDC World Matchplay First Round

Gerwyn Price will face Martin Schindler in the first round of the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay, which takes place from July 18 to July 26 in Blackpool. The Markham darts star, who was the runner-up in 2022, is one of the favourites to win the tournament, with odds of 12/1.

The tournament features 32 top players competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and a top prize of £225,000. The defending champion, Luke Littler, is aiming to become only the fourth player to retain the title and has been drawn against Niko Springer.

The full draw for the tournament is as follows:

* Luke Littler v Niko Springer

* Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen

* Josh Rock v Luke Woodhouse

* Stephen Bunting v Niels Zonneveld

* Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding

* Chris Dobey v Dirk van Duijvenbode

* Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta

* Gary Anderson v Ryan Joyce

* Luke Humphries v Cameron Menzies

* Ross Smith v Kevin Doets

* Gerwyn Price v Martin Schindler

* Danny Noppert v Rob Cross

* Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski

* Wessel Nijman v Dave Chisnall

* James Wade v Jermaine Wattimena

* Ryan Searle v William O’Connor

Luke Littler is the even-money favourite to win the trophy again this year, while Luke Humphries is second favourite with odds of 9/2. Gerwyn Price is the fourth favourite to win the competition, with odds of 12/1.

The tournament will feature a series of matches, with the winners advancing to the next round. The final will take place on July 26, with the winner claiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and the top prize of £225,000.

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will feature some of the biggest names in darts, including Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and James Wade. The tournament promises to be an exciting competition, with the best players in the world competing for the top prize.