Winmau World Masters: LIVE on Grandstand Saturday, 1315, BBC One Sunday, 1500, BBC Two

Bridlington may seem like an unlikely spot for a pilgrimage, but darts fans from around the world will descend on the seaside resort over the next week.

Described by the local council as a 'holiday heaven for young and old alike,' the Yorkshire town once again plays host to the Winmau World Masters darts championship.

October's brisk winds will ensure that the fans and players that arrive in the town for a week of competition will give Bridlington's famed beaches a miss.

In any case, their attention is likely to be focused on the oche.

World Masters matches are played over five sets made up of three legs - slightly longer than in previous years but still short enough to guarantee a few upsets.

A good draw is vital, but BBC darts pundit Bobby George says that Bridlington is a real test of a player's nerve.

"Three legs a set is dodgy," he said. "If you lose the first leg you have to take your opponents darts off him. It's a real struggle.

"The draw makes a big difference at the Winmau, but if you want to win you still have to beat the top players. If you're meant to win you'll win."

Ted Hankey wants the A40 but sometimes he goes up the A1 Bobby George

The sport's oldest tournament celebrates its 31st birthday this year and boasts competitors from more than 40 countries.

In addition to the usual strong entries from Britain and Holland, players from Pakistan, Canada and even Uganda are taking part.

In the women's draw, all eyes will be on Russian starlet Anastasia Dobromyslova.

She is tipped to become one of the stars of the women's game after beating 2003 Winmau champion Trina Gulliver in the World Darts Trophy with an average of 29.88.

All this is testament to the sport's ever increasing popularity.

But, as far as this year's tournament is concerned, George says it's hard to look further than an old favourite, Holland's Raymond Van Barneveld.

"Raymond is the world number-one and miles ahead of everyone else, so you'd have to say he's favourite for the title," said George.

"When Ted Hankey is on form he's dangerous, but I often say he's like reading a map. He wants the A40 but sometimes he goes up the A1. And he doesn't always get there.

"Tony West is the champion and I don't think he'll repeat that this year.

"Mervyn King will be a threat, but the thing with Merv is he's always runner-up.

BOBBY'S FIVE TO WATCH Raymond Van Barneveld (HOL) Ted Hankey (ENG) Tony West (ENG) Mervyn King (ENG) Gary Anderson (SCO)

"He's been a runner-up 10 times since 2002. There must be a mental block there but he just has to win one day.

"I also think Scotland's Gary Anderson has a chance. He's a marvellous player on the floor and the key for him will be to translate that form when he's on the stage."

As well as the men and women's senior games, there is also a junior tournament.

And it holds a particular interest for George because his 14-year-old son, Richard, is competing in it.

George thinks the junior version may have a chance. All he has to do is heed his father's words of wisdom.

"The key is just to throw the darts - it doesn't matter who is cheering for you," he said.

"Make sure you get them in the red and the skinny bit at the end and you'll win!"