The draw for the third European Tour event of the season has been made, with Paul Nicholson against Kim Huybrechts the pick of the first round ties in Düsseldorf.
The £82,100 ranking event is the third of five overseas events to be staged as part of the growing Players Championship circuit and will feature 64 of the world's top players in action at the Maritim Hotel.
The European Tour series has proved hugely popular so far, with the events in Austria and Berlin attracting big crowds and high quality matches, as Justin Pipe and Phil Taylor won the first and second events respectively.
Taylor will not feature in Dusseldorf as he takes time out to gear up for the defence of his World Matchplay title later in the month, but 32 of the world's top 34 players will travel to compete.
The stand out first round clash sees Paul Nicholson take on Kim Huybrechts in a repeat of their World Championship Last 16 battle which was won by the Belgian and prompted controversial remarks from The Asset afterwards.
Ironically, Kim's brother Ronny will also take part after coming through the European qualifying event, and he is handed a tough debut against Peter Wright.
World Champion and number one seed Adrian Lewis plays local qualifier Karsten Kornath, as event two runner-up Dave Chisnall is also handed a tie against a native German as he takes on the dangerous Kevin Munch.
Gary Anderson looks to put the disappointment of the previous European Tour event behind him when he kicks off against Scott Rand; The Flying Scotsman was forced to withdraw in Berlin due to an eye problem but will be out to recover against the highly rated Rand.
Rising star Joe Cullen once again runs into Terry Jenkins, while popular Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld is handed a tricky opener against Ian 'Diamond' White.
Seven-time major winner James Wade looks to turn his fortunes around prior to the World Matchplay as he face Sweden's number one Magnus Caris.
Other tasty looking first round ties include World finalist Andy Hamilton against World Youth Champion James Hubbard as well as World Grand Prix finalist Brendan Dolan versus in-form PDC newcomer Dean Winstanley.
The non-televised tournament is open to the public and runs from July 6-8, with all matches being played over the best of 11 legs.
European Darts Open
European Tour Event Three - First Round Draw & Tournament Bracket
Adrian Lewis (1) v Karsten Kornath
Steve Beaton (32) v Tony Littleton
Ronnie Baxter (16) v Devon Petersen
Mervyn King (17) v Stuart Kellett
Terry Jenkins (8) v Joe Cullen
Alan Tabern (25) v Johnny Haines
Kevin Painter (9) v Ryan de Vreede
Colin Osborne (24) v Jim Walker
Simon Whitlock (5) v Ross Smith
Peter Wright (28) v Ronny Huybrechts
Vincent van der Voort (12) v Jamie Lewis
Robert Thornton (21) v Maik Langendorf
Wes Newton (4) v Steve Maish
Co Stompe (29) v Mark Dudbridge
Paul Nicholson (13) v Kim Huybrechts
Dave Chisnall (20) v Kevin Munch
James Wade (2) v Magnus Caris
Mark Hylton (31) v Jelle Klaasen
Colin Lloyd (15) v Michael Mansell
Andy Smith (18) v Mick Todd
Raymond van Barneveld (7) v Ian White
Brendan Dolan (26) v Dean Winstanley
Justin Pipe (10) v Gino Vos
John Part (23) v Tomas Seyler
Andy Hamilton (6) v James Hubbard
Steve Brown (27) v Arron Monk
Mark Walsh (11) v Mark Jones
Denis Ovens (22) v Tonci Restovic
Gary Anderson (3) v Scott Rand
Richie Burnett (30) v Andy Jenkins
Wayne Jones (14) v Michael van Gerwen
Jamie Caven (19) v Brian Woods
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