Taylor set for Bates

Defending champion Phil Taylor will take on Barrie Bates in the opening round of the StanJames.com World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Bates was the runner-up in the UK Open in 2006 however the Wales ace faces a daunting prospect against Taylor, who is chasing his 11th World Matchplay title.

Former champions James Wade and Colin Lloyd have also been confirmed among the 32-strong field for the event at the Empress Ballroom on July 17-25.

Wade will face Andy Smith, while Lloyd will kick-off his challenge against Kevin Painter.

Paul Nicholson clinched the last of the 16 automatic qualification spots after progressing further than Gary Anderson at the Las Vegas Players Championship.

Anderson, though, makes it into the draw through the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Miss out

Nicholson, who will be making his Blackpool debut, will take on Steve Beaton - with Taylor a possible opponent in round two - while Anderson has been paired against Robert Thornton.

There are also first appearances at the Winter Gardens for Jelle Klaasen, Steve Brown and Mark Webster.

Klassen has been drawn against world No.4 Mervyn King, Brow will take on two-time runner-up Terry Jenkins and Webster faces Adrian Lewis.

Nigel Heydon and Chris Thompson both tasted success against Taylor recently in Las Vegas, however they miss out on the event - with Tony Eccles claiming the final Order of Merit place.

Eccles will take on the Wizard of Oz Simon Whitlock, while world No.2 Raymond van Barneveld will begin his campign against Denis Ovens