Watford darts star learns World Championship fate

Martin Lukeman will face Andrew Gilding if he gets through his first-round clash at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

The Watford thrower will take on India’s Nitin Kumar in the opening round at Alexandra Palace next month, with the winner paired with the 21st seed after the draw for the sport’s showpiece event was held this afternoon.

The 39-year-old, who was beaten 6-4 by Connor Scutt in the first round of the Players Championship Finals on Friday, has qualified for the World Championships through the PDC Order of Merit and will face international qualifier Kumar in the opening round.

Lukeman enjoyed the best week of his career earlier this month when he reached his first major final at the Grand Slam of Darts, but was overpowered 16-3 by teenage sensation Luke Littler in the climax to the tournament.

But that run to the final has helped Lukeman rise to No. 38 in the PDC Order of Merit and he will head to Ally Pally hoping to make it beyond the second round for the first time in his career, having been knocked out by Damon Heta and Martin Schindler in the past two years.

A total of 96 players will be competing at the World Championships, which starts on December 15, aiming to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy and £500,000 first prize.