PICTURES from the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

PHIL TAYLOR overcame a scare against New Zealand's Rob Szabo as he opened the defence of his Ladbrokes World Darts Championship title with a 3-1 win on Friday night.

THE biggest-ever Ladbrokes World Darts Championship begins on Friday at London's Alexandra Palace, as 72 players begin the 16-day battle for the Sid Waddell Trophy and a record £250,000 first prize.

MARK DUDBRIDGE has spoken of his excitement at being back on darts' biggest stage at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

TOURNAMENT information, results, draw bracket and links for the 2013-14 World Darts Championship.

THE 2014 PDC Qualifying School will be held in Wigan from January 15-18, offering ANY aspiring darts player the chance to win a place on the PDC's £7 million circuit next year.

MEMBERS of the LIVEPDC.TV website will be able to follow full coverage of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship - including live streaming for International Pass Subscribers & on-demand highlights for all subscribers!

THE schedule of play for Saturday's evening session at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship has been amended following a request from Sky Sports.

WHILST many darts stars in the UK are gearing up for the Ladbrokes World Championship, leading Soft-Tip players are getting ready for the Grand Final of DARTSLIVE - THE WORLD in Hong Kong on December 14 & 15.

EDWARD SANTOS has withdrawn from the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship, with Colin Osborne replacing the Philippines Qualifier in the preliminary round draw.