THE biggest-ever William Hill World Darts Championship begins on Thursday, with Michael van Gerwen beginning his title defence.

Christopher Kempf, the new statistical analyst of the PDC, looks at the sets format of the William Hill World Darts Championship.

Christopher Kempf, the new statistical analyst of the PDC, looks at the stats behind some of the biggest upsets of 2017.

PETER WRIGHT'S preparations for the William Hill World Darts Championship have been hampered after he was briefly hospitalised with illness on Thursday.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is the 4/5 favourite with sponsors William Hill to retain the World Darts Championship title.

THE William Hill World Darts Championship will be broadcast in full on the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

DARTS fans wishing to attend the William Hill World Darts Championship can still secure their tickets for the event.

THE schedule of play for the William Hill World Darts Championship has been confirmed.

PHIL TAYLOR will play youngster Chris Dobey as he begins his final challenge at the William Hill World Darts Championship.

TED EVETTS, Brendan Dolan & Jamie Lewis won William Hill World Darts Championship places at the PDPA Qualifier.