Raymond van Barneveld will begin the defence of his Lakeside world title with a match against Brian Sorensen of Denmark at Frimley Green next year. The Dutchman has begun to regain form after an early exit from the World Darts Trophy, winning the Pacific Masters title in Australia.
Sorensen, who lost in the first round in his only other Lakeside appearance, won the British Open last month.
Former world champion Andy Fordham begins against Simon Whitlock.
In another intriguing encounter, Tony O'Shea, runner-up at the Winmau World Masters last October, has been drawn against fast-throwing Tony West.
Qualifiers Jelle Klaasen of the Netherlands and England's Dennis Harbour contest the tournament opener on 7 January.
MMIX
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