HERE is the story of the 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay told in pictures from the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN was left devastated as he reflected on his first round exit on the opening night of the BetVictor World Matchplay.

DARYL GURNEY secured a dramatic 12-10 victory over Steve West on day two of the 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay in Blackpool.

GARY ANDERSON and Rob Cross are the new 4/1 joint favourites to win the BetVictor World Matchplay following Saturday's opening night.

JEFFREY DE ZWAAN dumped out two-time champion Michael van Gerwen on the opening night of the 2018 BetVictor World Matchplay.

Christopher Kempf, the statistical analyst of the PDC, evaluates the BetVictor World Matchplay field by their averages and 180s.

ROB CROSS feels ready to claim his first televised title since being crowned World Champion at the BetVictor World Matchplay.

A NEW era begins at the BetVictor World Matchplay on Saturday, as the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Peter Wright begin the challenge to succeed the legendary Phil Taylor as the king of the Blackpool event.

Christopher Kempf, the statistical analyst of the PDC, takes a look at how the PDC Order of Merit might change after the BetVictor World Matchplay.

GARY ANDERSON is targeting a career-best performance at this year's BetVictor World Matchplay.