Michael van Gerwen starts defence of World Grand Prix title against Keegan Brown

Michael van Gerwen will begin the defence of his World Grand Prix title against Keegan Brown in Dublin.

The Dutchman defeated James Wade in last year's final to claim the title and will face 2014 World Youth Champion Brown in the first round of the tournament, starting on Sunday October 4, live on Sky Sports.

This year's draw sees Phil Taylor pitted against Dutchman Vincent van der Voort as he targets his 12th title, while world champion Gary Anderson has been given an all-Scottish tie with John Henderson.

No 4 seed Peter Wright receives a tough clash against Dave Chisnall , the 2013 runner-up, and Adrian Lewis takes on Raymond van Barneveld in another potentially exciting encounter.

Robert Thornton - who shared nine-darters with Wade in a historic second round tie last year - will play Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney, while No 8 seed Michael Smith has drawn Welsh debutant Gerwyn Price.

Live World Grand Prix Darts

In other notable matches, Two former World Grand Prix finalists clash as Mervyn King meets Terry Jenkins, Australian star Simon Whitlock meets Andrew Gilding, and Ian White is up against Jamie Caven, who booked his place on the final weekend of Players Championship events.

First Round Draw:

M van Gerwen v K Brown
K Huybrechts v B van de Pas
M Smith v G Price
W O'Connor v J Lewis
A Lewis v R van Barneveld
M Webster v S Bunting
P Wright v D Chisnall
J Klaasen v B Dolan
G Anderson v J Henderson
I White v J Caven
R Thornton v D Gurney
J Pipe v S Beaton
J Wade v M Suljovic
A Gilding v S Whitlock
P Taylor v V van der Voort
M King v T Jenkins

Watch day one of the World Grand Prix next Sunday on Sky Sports 3, starting at 7pm.