Wednesday 28 January 2015 16:54, UK
The biggest names in the PDC return to action this weekend in the Unibet Masters at ArenaMK in Milton Keynes.
Last year's champion James Wade defends the title he won just under three months ago in Edinburgh after a thrilling comeback from 9-2 down to defeat Mervyn King 11-10 in the final.
'The Machine' will have to overcome the challenge of King again as they meet in the first round.
Since winning his first major title for over three years, Wade has failed to make much of an impact in the following three televised tournaments. Stephen Bunting knocked him out in the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Championship and an incredible performance from Jelle Klaasen in the Players Championship Finals saw Wade crash out in round one.
The Aldershot thrower will be looking to prove a point at the Masters but he finds himself on arguably the toughest side of the draw. If Wade is to retain his title, he could possibly have to beat at least two of new world champion Gary Anderson and former world champions Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld just to reach the final.
Anderson is vying to win his third successive tournament, having won the Players Championship Finals and World Championship. He faces Andy Hamilton in the first round.
The man Anderson beat in the World Championship final, Taylor, faces Terry Jenkins first. Jenkins was one of the form players in 2014, reaching two major finals, and he will make life difficult for 'The Power' in the best of 19 first round format.
Should he beat the world No 15, Taylor is likely to face Van Barneveld and one of Wade or Anderson. All three have beaten Taylor on the biggest stages in world darts and every match will be a challenge.
Despite a disappointing 2014, Michael van Gerwen is the favourite to lift the Masters trophy for the first time. He meets Wes Newton in the opening round as he attempts to get back on track following the loss of his World Championship crown.
Peter Wright, who crashed in the first round of last year's competition, meets Irishman Brendan Dolan, while 2013 finalist Adrian Lewis faces fellow Stoke native Ian White.
