Unibet Masters: 2014 finalists James Wade and Mervyn King to meet in first round

Defending champion James Wade will face Mervyn King in the opening round of this year’s Unibet Masters in Milton Keynes.

The Wade-King contest will be a rematch of last year’s thrilling final which went all the way to a deciding 21st leg.

Newly crowned PDC world champion Gary Anderson takes on Andy Hamilton in the first round of this two-day event which is being held over the weekend of January 31 and February 1.

The field features the top 16 players in the world rankings following the recent World Championship at Alexandra Palace in London.

Anderson is now No 3 in the world behind Michael van Gerwen (1) and Phil Taylor (2).

PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: "Last year's final between James and Mervyn was one of the most thrilling deciders we've ever had and it's ironic that, due to their rankings, they'll meet again in the first round.

"That's just one of a host of tasty ties which will be played over the weekend."

First round draw:

Michael van Gerwen v Wes Newton

Robert Thornton v Dave Chisnall

Peter Wright v Brendan Dolan

Adrian Lewis v Ian White

Phil Taylor v Terry Jenkins

Simon Whitlock v Raymond van Barneveld

James Wade v Mervyn King

Gary Anderson v Andy Hamilton

Note: The first round will be staged on January 31, while the quarter-finals, semi-final and final will take place on Sunday, February 1.