The schedule of play for the opening two nights of the 2026 Winmau World Masters has been confirmed following Wednesday’s Preliminary Rounds in Milton Keynes.

A total of 120 players battled for the final eight spots in the 32-player field at Arena MK, where the tournament will run from Thursday January 29 to Sunday February 1.

Thursday’s opening night features eight first-round ties, headlined by five-time Masters champion Michael van Gerwen, who begins his campaign against Australian number one Damon Heta. New Dutch number one Gian van Veen makes his World Masters debut against Ryan Joyce, while two-time World Champion Gary Anderson faces Niels Zonneveld.

The evening opens with 2023 Masters winner Chris Dobey taking on former European Championship finalist Jermaine Wattimena. Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price meets James Hurrell, Jonny Clayton faces Wessel Nijman, James Wade clashes with Madars Razma, and former World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall plays Tour Card newcomer Shane McGuirk.

Friday concludes round one, with reigning champion Luke Humphries and two-time World Champion Luke Littler both entering the competition. Humphries begins his title defence against St Helens star Dave Chisnall, while Littler opens his second World Masters campaign against former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker.

The night also sees 2024 Masters winner Stephen Bunting face Jeffrey de Graaf, as World Cup winners Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney take on Connor Scutt and Danny Noppert respectively. World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle meets Rob Cross, Martin Schindler faces Luke Woodhouse, and Ross Smith goes up against WDF Champion Jimmy van Schie.

Round two will be staged across two sessions on Saturday January 31, before the tournament culminates with a bumper Finals Day on Sunday featuring the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final at Arena MK.

Source: PDC.TV