HERE is the story of the 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay told in pictures from the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Photos courtesy of official PDC photographer Lawrence Lustig and Chris Dean.
Day One
The newly-titled Phil Taylor trophy sits proudly in the Empress Ballroom at the famous Winter Gardens.
Former finalist survived a scare as he overcame James Wilson 10-8 in the opening match of the tournament.
Four-time quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall ran out a comfortable 10-4 winner against Keegan Brown, growing in confidence as the tie went on after a tricky start.
Jeffrey de Zwaan celebrates his monumental victory over odds-on tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen.
Two-time winner Michael van Gerwen exits the stage after being dumped out on the opening night.
The final game of the opening night saw Michael Smith run out a comfortable 10-6 winner over debutant Jonny Clayton.
Day Two
Last year's quarter-finalist Darren Webster produced a strong display to defeat World Matchplay debutant Steve Lennon 10-6 in the opening match of Sunday.
Ian White edged a close encounter with German debutant Max Hopp.
Joe Cullen enjoys his walk-on ahead of his first ever win on the Winter Gardens stage against Gerwyn Price.
Daryl Gurney sinks to his knees after surviving 11 match darts against Steve West to claim a dramatic 12-10 victory.
Two-time quarter-finalist Mensur Suljovic recorded his first win over Steve Beaton in nine-attempts.
Gary Anderson came from behind to see off Stephen Bunting.
Rob Cross enjoys the moment as he is introduced as World Champion for the first time at the Winter Gardens.
Raymond van Barneveld salutes the 'Barney Army' ahead of his win over Kyle Anderson late on Sunday evening.
Day Three
Kim Huybrechts survived a match dart in a dramatic deciding leg against John Henderson to claim his first ever Winter Gardens win at the seventh attempt.
Simon Whitlock secured a convincing 10-2 victory over his close friend and Winter Gardens debutant Richard North.
James Wade tells his pregnant wife Sammi Marsh-Wade it's time for bed after battling his way a 12-10 win over Jermaine Wattimena.
Last year's beaten finalist Peter Wright cruised to a 10-5 victory over Jelle Klaasen in the final game of the first round, hitting a roof-raising 170 finish along the way.
Day Four
Dave Chisnall produced a sensational comeback from 7-1 down to beat Michael Smith 11-8 and book his place in the quarter-finals for a fifth time.
Joe Cullen dumped out fifth seed Daryl Gurney with a comfortable 11-3 triumph to reach the quarter-finals of a televised event for only the second time in his career, matching his run at the 2016 UK Open.
Jeffrey de Zwaan continued his dream debut with an incredible 11-9 second round win over former finalist Adrian Lewis.
Gary Anderson celebrates after coming back from 5-1 down to beat Raymond van Barneveld 11-9.
Day Five
Simon Whitlock's 11-7 win over James Wade guaranteed a new name on the trophy this year.
Austrian ace Mensur Suljovic was delighted after edging out Ian White 11-8 in a tense affair to reach the quarter-finals for the third time in four years.
Darren Webster dumped World Champion Rob Cross out with an 11-8 win to reach the quarter-finals for a second successive year.
Peter Wright entertains the crowd before producing a superb 105.6 average in his 11-5 victory over Kim Huybrechts.
Day Six
Giant-killer Jeffrey de Zwaan was all smiles as his dream Blackpool debut continued with a magnificent 16-8 win over Dave Chisnall - the Dutch youngster threw a stunning 103.22 average.
Gary Anderson celebrates hitting a magnificent nine-dart leg in his thrilling 19-17 quarter-final victory over Joe Cullen who could only stand and applaud.
Anguish for Cullen after the Bradford man missed two darts to win the match.
Anderson hit double top to stop the match going to a deciding leg to set up a semi-final clash with Jeffrey de Zwaan.
Day Seven
Mensur Suljovic can't hide his joy after defeating Darren Webster 16-10 to win through to his first World Matchplay semi-final.
A lovely moment as Suljovic and Webster embrace after their hard-fought battle.
Joy for Peter Wright whose clinical 76% finishing accuracy secured an impressive 16-5 win over Simon Whitlock.
Day Eight (Semi-Finals)
Mensur Suljovic booked his spot in the final with a 17-13 defeat of 2017 finalist Peter Wright.
Gary Anderson reached his first final, bringing an end to Jeffrey de Zwaan's brilliant Blackpool debut.
Day Nine (Final)
Mensur Suljovic embraced his adoring fans as he made his way to the stage.
Gary Anderson raced up to the stage, the Scot couldn't wait to get the final started!
Anderson and Suljovic played out an incredible high-quality final which went right to the wire.
Anderson kisses the Phil Taylor Trophy after his 21-19 success.
The two finalists embrace after a gripping final which was played in terrific spirit.
Anderson celebrates his success with son Tai in front of a magnificent Winter Gardens crowd.