Bristow beat Whitcombe in the 1984 and 1986 finals

Twice a runner-up in 1984 and 1986, Whitcombe won four matches in the qualifying event in Hull, culminating in a 5-4 win over Robbie Widdows.

But darts greats Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Keith Deller and Cliff Lazarenko all failed to progress.

The draw for the event at Purfleet's Circus Tavern - which starts on 19 December - is to be made on Monday.

Cambridge's Kevin Spiolek - one of only three men ever to beat Phil 'The Power' Taylor in a World Championship - was another to progress.

Other well-known players to have gained a place in the final field of 64 are Andy 'Pieman' Smith, Steve 'Snakeman' Alker, Jason 'Cockney Jock' Clark and Andrew 'The Hammer' Hamilton, a quarter-finalist last year.

There will also be two siblings competing in a major tournament for the first time as 22-year-old Dale Newton joined his brother Wes, who qualified by right as a member of the world's top 32.