Michael van Gerwen will defend his title at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall from November 11-19 - live on Sky Sports
Saturday 11 November 2017 15:30, UK
The Grand Slam of Darts kicks off in Wolverhampton, live on Sky Sports Arena on Saturday from 1pm, as the best players from both the PDC and BDO circuits come together.
Michael van Gerwen is bidding to claim a third successive Grand Slam of Darts victory and heads into the tournament as the top seed.
The Dutchman will open his defence of the title against Scottish debutant Ross Montgomery on Saturday, when all the opening group matches will be held, while six-time Grand Slam of Darts winner Phil Taylor, coming towards the denouement of his illustrious career, will begin his final appearance at the tournament against Peter Machin.
The Power is one of only five players who have appeared at all 10 previous editions of the tournament so far which includes compatriot James Wade, who was the runner-up last year.
The toughest group on paper involves No 2 seed Peter Wright, who is joined by Lakeside champion Glen Durrant, Alan Norris, one of eight players to qualify for the event, and the emerging Corey Cadby from Australia.
Two-time World Champion Gary Anderson, seeded third, opens up against Scottish debutant Cameron Menzies and will also face Australia's Simon Whitlock during the group stage.
Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld, the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts champion, will open up his challenge against Jamie Hughes, who is appearing at the Civic Hall for a second successive year.
World Grand Prix champion Daryl Gurney, enjoying a rich vein of form, will kick-off his campaign against Danny Noppert, who impressed on his Grand Slam debut last year.
Champions League of Darts winner Mensur Suljovic will look to make a winning start against BDO No 1 Mark McGeeney while Dave Chisnall, seeded seventh, starts against former Lakeside champion Scott Mitchell.
Sunday will see the second group games take centre stage, with Saturday's winning players facing each other and the losing players also meeting.
The final group games will then be held over Monday and Tuesday, with the top two players from each group progressing to the knockout stage.
2017 bwin Grand Slam of Darts
Group A
(1) Michael van Gerwen
Rob Cross
Joe Murnan
Ross Montgomery
Group B
(8) Raymond van Barneveld
Gerwyn Price
Steve Lennon
Jamie Hughes
Group C
(5) Phil Taylor
James Wade
Robbie Green
Peter Machin
Group D
(4) Daryl Gurney
Darren Webster
Mark Webster
Danny Noppert
Group E
(2) Peter Wright
Alan Norris
Corey Cadby
Glen Durrant
Group F
(7) Dave Chisnall
Stephen Bunting
Jeffrey de Zwaan
Scott Mitchell
Group G
(6) Mensur Suljovic
Michael Smith
James Wilson
Mark McGeeney
Group H
(3) Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock
Berry van Peer
Cameron Menzies
Schedule of Play
Saturday November 11
Afternoon Session (1pm)
8x E-H Group Matches
Michael Smith v James Wilson (G)
Stephen Bunting v Jeffrey de Zwaan (F)
Simon Whitlock v Berry van Peer (H)
Alan Norris v Corey Cadby (E)
Dave Chisnall v Scott Mitchell (F)
Mensur Suljovic v Mark McGeeney (G)
Gary Anderson v Cameron Menzies (H)
Peter Wright v Glen Durrant (E)
Evening Session (8pm)
8x A-D Group Matches
Gerwyn Price v Steve Lennon (B)
James Wade v Robbie Green (C)
Darren Webster v Mark Webster (D)
Rob Cross v Joe Murnan (A)
Phil Taylor v Peter Machin (C)
Michael van Gerwen v Ross Montgomery (A)
Raymond van Barneveld v Jamie Hughes (B)
Daryl Gurney v Danny Noppert (D)
The Grand Slam of Darts gets underway live on Sky Sports on Saturday November 11 with a double session as the best of the PDC compete against the best of the BDO
Keep up to date with the news as the tungsten enters its busiest time of year with the PDC World Championships just around the corner get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts.
