JAMES WADE was knocked out of the BetVictor World Matchplay in the first round for the first time in his illustrious career as clinical Mervyn King claimed a superb 10-5 success in Blackpool on Sunday - full Sunday round-up here.

RAMPANT Michael van Gerwen began his defence of the BetVictor World Matchplay title with a ruthless 10-0 whitewash of Jamie Caven on Saturday, as Robert Thornton ended his Winter Gardens hoodoo by defeating youngster Josh Payne in Blackpool.

INFORMATION, fixtures and results for the 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay.

THE 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay begins on Saturday, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen up against Jamie Caven as the prestigious £450,000 tournament opens at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

THE 2016/17 William Hill World Darts Championship will take place from December 15-January 2 at London's Alexandra Palace, with tickets on General Sale from 10am on Monday July 25.

THE Professional Darts Corporation will return to Las Vegas in July 2017, and fans can watch the U.S. Darts Masters in style with our exclusive official travel packages, which can now be reserved for just £250 per person!

JAMIE CAVEN is aiming to upset the odds when he faces reigning BetVictor World Matchplay champion Michael van Gerwen on Saturday's opening night of the 2016 tournament.

FORMER Olympic decathlete Dean Macey emerged victorious against PDC Chairman Barry Hearn, former world number one Rod Harrington and current stars including James Wade in the annual Haven House Charity Fishing Day.

WARREN PARRY will compete in the William Hill World Darts Championship for a fourth time in December after winning the DartPlayers New Zealand Qualifier in Invercargill.

THE BetVictor World Matchplay schedule of play has been confirmed, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen in action on the opening night of this year's event on Saturday July 16.