MVG starts World Series of Darts Finals defence against Ilagan

The World Series of Darts Finals will take place from September 17-20 in Amsterdam; Michael van Gerwen is the defending champion; Luke Littler goes into the event still targeting the clean sweep of all major titles

Michael van Gerwen will open his World Series of Darts Finals title defence against Lourence Ilagan, as Luke Littler goes head-to-head with Danny Noppert in Amsterdam.

The PDC Premier event will see 32 stars from around the globe in action at AFAS Live from September 17-20, with the draw and schedule now confirmed for this month's showpiece

Reigning champion Van Gerwen celebrated his sixth World Series Finals crown 12 months ago, and the top seed will mark his return to the Dutch capital against two-time PDC Asian Champion Ilagan.

The opening round will take place across two sessions on September 17-18, as 2024 champion Littler kicks off his campaign against former UK Open champion Noppert as he continues his quest for a major clean sweep.

World number two Luke Humphries also faces Dutch opposition in Jermaine Wattimena , while Gerwyn Price opens his bid for a third World Series Finals title against Australian Darts Masters runner-up Brody Klinge .

Dutch number one Gian van Veen meets former Masters champion Chris Dobey in another eye-catching affair, while Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock lock horns for a place in round two.

2021 champion Jonny Clayton takes on Philippines' World Cup star Alexis Toylo in his opener, as ten-time TV title winner James Wade begins his title challenge against Australian number one Damon Heta .

Dutch duo Wessel Nijman and Kevin Doets have been pitted against Simon Whitlock and Ross Smith respectively, while Rob Cross will play World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle .

Van Gerwen, Humphries and Van Veen will headline Thursday's opening night, with Littler, Price and Clayton among the star attractions on Friday evening.

Following the conclusion of round one, the remaining 16 players will battle it out for a place at Finals Day across two sessions on Saturday September 19.

The tournament will then reach its climax on Sunday September 20, with the quarter-finals in the afternoon, followed by the semi-finals and final in a bumper evening session.

(1) Michael van Gerwen v Lourence Ilagan Kevin Doets v Ross Smith (8) Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock Rob Cross v Ryan Searle (4) Luke Humphries v Jermaine Wattimena Viktor Tingstrom v Man Lok Leung (5) Gian van Veen v Chris Dobey Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb (2) Gerwyn Price v Brody Klinge Adam Leek v Jim Long (7) James Wade v Damon Heta Wessel Nijman v Simon Whitlock (3) Luke Littler v Danny Noppert Nathan Aspinall v Raymond Smith (6) Jonny Clayton v Alexis Toylo Motomu Sakai v Callan Rydz

Thursday September 17 (6pm BST) Round One x8 Viktor Tingstrom v Man Lok Leung Rob Cross v Ryan Searle Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb Kevin Doets v Ross Smith Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock Luke Humphries v Jermaine Wattimena Michael van Gerwen v Lourence Ilagan Gian van Veen v Chris Dobey