Darts: Daryl Gurney aiming to rock Blackpool on his World Matchplay debut

Derry darts professional Daryl Gurney will make his debut tonight at the Bet Victor World Matchplay being held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Gurney cemented his place by being one of the 16 qualifiers from the One-Year Pro Tour Order of Merit.

The draw for the Matchplay, which was done live on Sky Sports News, sees Gurney come up against world number 12 Ian White.

The pair have played each other on numerous occasions, in fact only a few weeks ago White secured a 6-3 win over the Waterside man in the last 32 of the PDPA Players Championship Barnsley. . The 30-year-old is looking forward to his debut against White, adding it was a “dream come true” to be gracing the stage of one of the biggest tournaments in the darting calendar.

Gurney is also looking forward to hearing the reaction from the darts fans as his new walk-on song will be played Northern Ireland fans favourite, Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’.

“I can’t wait to hear the crowds’ reaction as it will be the first time my walk on has been played at this venue,” he said.

Live coverage begins at 7.00pm n Sky Sports 2 tonight.