Announcements

ST HELENS darter Michael Smith is among the sport's elite taking part in Unibet Champions League of Darts which begins on Saturday September 24.

The world's top eight stars will contest the inaugural Unibet Champions League of Darts on September 24-25 at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena.

The eight have been split into two groups of four for the opening three sessions, with the top two players from each group following the round-robin phase then progressing to the semi-finals and final.

The opening session in the afternoon of Saturday September 24 will include the high-profile meeting between world number one Michael van Gerwen and reigning World Grand Prix champion Robert Thornton.

The Scot defeated van Gerwen in the final of last year's World Grand Prix with a thrilling 5-4 Sets victory, with both aiming to begin the group stage in Cardiff with a win later this month.

That clash in Dublin was van Gerwen's last defeat in a major ranking final, with the Dutchman having since won the European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals, UK Open and World Matchplay as well as the 2016 Premier League and two World Series events.

"I can't complain with how everything is going at the moment - I'm playing well and enjoying what I do, and I think that's really important," said van Gerwen.

"To be back on the BBC is phenomenal for every one of us. You want to perform, and I think with the groups makes it good for the people at home because it's going to be quick games."

Legendary 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor will meet Peter Wright, the former World Championship finalist, in the other Group A contest on the opening afternoon.

World Champion Gary Anderson then takes on former World Youth Champion Michael Smith in their Group B opener, with two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis taking on multiple major winner James Wade.

Saturday's evening session will then see the winning players in each group face off as the losing players also meet, before the final group games are played on Sunday afternoon.

The top two players in each group will then progress to play in the semi-finals and final on Sunday evening.

Tickets, starting from just £15, are still available for the Unibet Champions League of Darts.

To purchase call the Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 22 44 88 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Unibet Champions League of Darts.

Saturday September 24.

Afternoon Session.

First Group Matches.

Adrian Lewis v James Wade (B).

Gary Anderson v Michael Smith (B).

Phil Taylor v Peter Wright (A).

Michael van Gerwen v Robert Thornton (A).

Live on BBC1 from 1.15pm.

Tickets: £30/£25/£15.

Evening Session.

Second Group Matches Afternoon session's Winners play each other, and Losers play each other.

Live on BBC2 from 6.30pm.

Tickets: £35/£30/£20.

Sunday September 25.

Afternoon Session.

Final Group Matches.

Live on BBC2 from 2pm Tickets: £30/£25/£15.

Evening Session.

Semi-Finals.

Final.

Live on BBC from 6.30pm.

Tickets: £35/£30/£20.

Format:.

Group Matches - Best of 19 legs.

Semi-Finals & Final - Best of 21 legs.