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Phil Taylor to begin World Matchplay title defence against Stuart Kellett

Taylor to face Kellett in Matchplay opener
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Defending World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor is drawn against Stuart Kellett in the first round of this summer's tournament.

World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor has been drawn a first-round tie against Stuart Kellett for this summer's campaign.

The 13-time winner will mark the start of the tournament, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Blackpool, with an opening contest against Kellett, who will make his tournament debut.

The draw has thrown up some interesting ties, with James Wade due to take on John Part, while Michael van Gerwen will have to get past Colin Lloyd to progress into the next round.

Kim Huybrechts has been drawn against Peter Wright in round one, while Mervin King and Gary Anderson will go head-to-head at the start of the tournament, which gets underway on July 20.

World Matchplay round one draw:

Phil Taylor vs. Stuart Kellett
Terry Jenkins vs. Andy Smith
Raymond van Barneveld vs. Mensur Suljovic
Justin Pipe vs. Mark Webster
Simon Whitlock vs. Jelle Klaasen
Kevin Painter vs. Jamie Lewis
James Wade vs. John Part
Mervin King vs. Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen vs. Colin Lloyd
Kim Huybrechts vs. Peter Wright
Wes Newton vs. Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall vs. Paul Nicholson
Andy Hamilton vs. Ronnie Baxter
Robert Thronton vs. Ian White
Adrian Lewis vs. Ronnie Huybrechts
Brendan Dolan vs. Steve Beaton

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Danielle Joynson
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