Littler draws Van Gerwen in World Matchplay opener

Luke Littler has been drawn against three-time victor Michael van Gerwen successful nan first information of nan World Matchplay.

The 17-year-old, classed 25th successful nan world, will return connected world number 2 Van Gerwen successful Blackpool connected 13 June.

Littler, who did not play successful nan 2023 World Matchplay, won nan Premier League successful May pursuing his astonishing tally to nan World Championship last successful January.

Van Gerwen has faced nan teen 9 times, winning connected 5 occasions.

World number 1 Luke Humphries will return connected Ricardo Pietreczko, while defending champion Dimitri van den Bergh faces Martin Schindler.

Michael Smith, nan 3rd seed, plays Gary Anderson successful his opening lucifer while Daryl Gurney takes connected Gerwyn Price.