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The event sees 144 professional stars competing alongside 32 pub qualifiers at the Reebok Stadium over the next four days – with the action taking place on eight boards at once.

Defending champion Raymond van Barneveld and 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor will enter the event at the fourth round stage on Saturday.

The First Round on Thursday night includes the Punch Taverns pub qualifiers and the lower-ranked PDC players following eight Regional Finals - including 18-year-old star van Gerwen.

The Dutch prodigy is due to face Chris McTernan, who won through two stages of pub knockouts to earn a place at the Reebok Stadium, in the best-of-15 leg first round.

"I don't know Chris but it doesn't matter who your opponent is in this event - anything can happen," said van Gerwen.

"Qualifying was hard for me and I learned a lot but on stage I'm probably a harder player to beat and I'm more comfortable there.

"I'm looking forward to the tournament."

McTernan previously qualified for the 2003 UK Open but has not played in a major event since, and came through two rounds of qualifiers held in Punch Taverns around the UK to win a place in the event.

“It’s the biggest game of my career,” he said. “Michael’s a great player but I’ve just got to play my own game.

“I’m excited, not worried. I may be a bit jittery at first in front of the TV cameras but I’ll be ok.”

Van Gerwen is the 12/1 third favourite for the event with sponsors Blue Square, who are also offering 100/1 for both Taylor and van Barneveld to hit nine-darters at Bolton.