Monday 17 September 2018 13:08, UK
Jeffrey de Zwaan, Max Hopp and Steve Lennon are among the nine new faces who will make their World Grand Prix debuts in Dublin later this month.
The 32-man field was confirmed on Sunday after Gerwyn Price's triumph at the International Darts Open in Riesa and a large chunk of the field will be made up by debutants.
Daryl Gurney will be defending his maiden major televised title at the Citywest Hotel and he will have another Irishman for company on the big stage.
Twenty-four-year-old Lennon is from nearby Carlow, just an hour away from the venue, and will have plenty of support as he continues to make his way on the PDC Tour.
After an impressive World Championship debut where he pushed Michael Smith all the way in the first round, Lennon then teamed up with William O'Connor at the World Cup and has enjoyed a consistent year on the circuit.
De Zwaan, who memorably thrilled during his run to the semi-final of the World Matchplay is one of four Dutchmen that will make their bow in the unique double-to-start competition - he will be joined by Jermaine Wattimena, Danny Noppert and Ron Meulenkamp in the field
Max Hopp, who won the German Darts Open, and Jonny Clayton, victorious in Austria earlier this year, are rewarded for their efforts so far with Dublin debuts while quickfire Ricky Evans and Josh Payne also make their way to the Emerald Isle for first showing at the Grand Prix.
Evans, who throws his darts faster than anyone else, almost made an impression at the Dutch Darts Championship with his 'Baby Shark' walk-on causing a viral sensation on social media - whether the Dublin crown take to it remains to be seen.
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen heads the seedings with Peter Wright (2), world champion Rob Cross (3) and Matchplay champion Gary Anderson (4) completing the top four.
The draw for the World Grand Prix takes place this week and seven days of coverage gets underway on Sky Sports Arena from 7pm on Sunday September 30
You can follow the unique double-in double-out format right through to the final on Saturday, October 6 and join in the conversation and go behind the scenes with us @SkySportsDarts
