THE Unibet European Championship begins on Friday as Michael van Gerwen opens his bid to complete a treble of wins in the event against in-form 2012 champion Simon Whitlock at the Ethias Arena in Hasselt, Belgium.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is the Evens favourite to win a third successive title at the Unibet European Championship going into this weekend's tournament in Hasselt, Belgium.

THE schedule of play for the Unibet European Championship has been confirmed ahead of the £400,000 tournament in Hasselt, Belgium from October 28-30.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN will begin his defence of the Unibet European Championship title against Simon Whitlock when the £400,000 event begins on October 28, while World Champion Gary Anderson has drawn James Wade in the first round in Belgium.