Hamilton Seeded In SkyBet World Grand Prix

THE 24 automatic qualifiers for the 2007 SkyBet World Grand Prix are now confirmed - with Andy Hamilton earning a seeded place in the tournament on his Dublin debut.

This year's World Grand Prix will be held at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart from 8-14 October.

The world's top 24 players will be joined by four PDPA qualifiers from the Players Championship Order of Merit and four players from the All-Ireland Qualifier on Sunday 16 September.

Hamilton's rise up the rankings had already ensured him a first appearance in the double-start event, but his run to the semi-finals at the Bullit World Darts Trophy last week saw him jump up to eighth in the Order of Merit to be seeded for the World Grand Prix.

"I'm delighted," said Hamilton. "It's been a goal for me to qualify for the World Grand Prix this year anyway but to be seeded is a bonus.

"Now I know I avoid the likes of Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld in the first round, although there are so many quality players in the field that I know it will be tough whoever I draw."

Denis Ovens' victory in the Ireland Open Classic ensured his place in the top 24 was assured, but 2001 champion Alan Warriner misses out and will be hoping to win a spot in the event through the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Mervyn King, Michael van Gerwen, Warriner-Little and Vincent van der Voort currently occupy those four spots, with the Windy City Open this Sunday and Welsh Players Championship on Saturday 23 September the remaining two events for players to qualify.

SkyBet World Grand Prix - 24 Automatic Qualifiers
1. Phil Taylor
2. Raymond van Barneveld
3. James Wade
4. Terry Jenkins
5. Peter Manley
6. Colin Lloyd
7. Adrian Lewis
8. Andy Hamilton
9. Dennis Priestley
10. Roland Scholten
11. Wayne Mardle
12. John Part
13. Barrie Bates
14. Kevin Painter
15. Ronnie Baxter
16. Andy Jenkins
17. Mark Dudbridge
18. Colin Osborne
19. Chris Mason
20. Alan Tabern
21. Denis Ovens
22. Wayne Jones
23. Wes Newton
24. Andy Smith