Sydney Darts Masters preview: Phil Taylor aiming to defend his title

Phil Taylor will open his bid to win a third successive Coral Sydney Darts Masters title against DPA Qualifier Clinton Bridge on Thursday, while Adrian Lewis takes on Simon Whitlock in a heavyweight clash at the Qantas Credit Union Arena.

Reigning champion Taylor has never been defeated in Australia since the PDC introduced the World Series of Darts in 2013, winning back-to-back titles in Sydney and retaining his Perth Darts Masters crown last weekend.

The 16-time world champion's first round clash at the Qantas Credit Union in Sydney's Darling Harbour will see him come up against Melbourne-based bricklayer Clinton "Tic" Bridge.

The 31-year-old left-hander won through Tuesday's DPA Qualifier - defeating John Weber, a qualifier in 2014, 6-2 in the final - to secure his place in the Sydney Darts Masters for a second time, having caused a sensation by knocking out Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 two years ago.

Van Barneveld will also face a DPA Qualifier in the first round after drawing New Zealand's Cody Harris, who secured his televised debut when he came through Monday's knockouts in Warilla.

Wednesday's final DPA Qualifier Warren Parry - who knocked out Michael van Gerwen in Sydney last year - will face reigning world and Premier League champion Gary Anderson, who has been a semi-finalist in all three PDC World Series of Darts events so far this year.

World No 1 Van Gerwen has drawn Australian World Cup ace Paul Nicholson, while two-time world champion Adrian Lewis takes on the sport's most successful Australian, Simon Whitlock, in a high-profile contest.

Perth Darts Masters runner-up James Wade plays DPNZ Qualifier Craig Caldwell, while Japan Darts Masters finalist Peter Wright has drawn current DPA Australian Grand Prix No 1 Loz Ryder and Stephen Bunting, last year's runner-up in Sydney, drew David Platt.

Following Thursday's first round, the tournament will continue on Friday with the quarter-finals before the semi-finals and final on Saturday see the tournament's champion crowned.

First round draw

Phil Taylor (1) v Clinton Bridge

Stephen Bunting (8) v David Platt

James Wade (5) v Craig Caldwell

Peter Wright (4) v Loz Ryder

Michael van Gerwen (2) v Paul Nicholson

Raymond van Barneveld (7) v Cody Harris

Adrian Lewis (6) v Simon Whitlock

Gary Anderson (3) v Warren Parry