Take a look at the five new faces taking the oche at the World GP
Published:The World Grand Prix darts gets under way on Monday in Dublin and five players are preparing to make their tournament debuts.
While much of the focus will centre on current champion Phil Taylor, who has won the World Grand Prix 10 times in total, a cluster of other players will be vying to get a stake of the £350,000 prize pot.
Here we profile the five World Grand Prix new boys hoping to cause an upset at the Citywest Hotel.
Kim Huybrechts (Belgium)
Age: 26
World ranking: 31
Since he first arrived on the scene at the 2011 European Championships, where he reached the quarter-finals, Huybrechts has gained a reputation for being a solid player on both the big stage and in the ProTour events behind closed doors.
The Hurricane has broken into the world’s top 32 inside a year, and should take to this event well given his reputation as a strong finisher.
Dean Winstanley (England)
Age: 31
World ranking: 56
The 2011 BDO World Championship finalist was the highest profile player to move to the PDC this year, and is on the cusp of making the top 50 in the Order of Merit thanks to some impressive displays on the tour.
Known for missing the odd double, if he hits double 20 with ease and scores like he can, the Yorkshireman could go a long way.
Ian White (England)
Age: 42
World ranking: 37
Enjoying the best year of his career to date, the man from Stoke-on-Trent has reached the final of four ProTour events, while he recently thrashed world champion Adrian Lewis 6-0 in the European Championships.
White plays Raymond van Barneveld in the first round, but the formidable Dutchman should hold no fears for him, as he’s capable of beating anyone in the field on his day.
Michael Smith (England)
Age: 21
World ranking: 43
The youngest player in the 32-man field, Smith is one of a number of young players rising up the PDC Order of Merit at the expense of more experienced campaigners.
Sponsored by world no. 4 Gary Anderson, Smith won a ProTour event back in Jaunary in Benidorm, but he hasn’t quite taken to TV events yet. However, big things are expected of him in the future, and if he manages to beat first-round opponent Phil Taylor, then that could be the thing that sees him really take off.
Michael Mansell (Northern Ireland)
Age: 39
World ranking: 66
As one of the three Irish qualifiers for the World Grand Prix, home support might help to inspire ‘Mickey’ in the same way it did for his World Cup team-mate Brendan Dolan last year.
Mansell has had some notable scalps on the ProTour this year including Colin Lloyd, his first-round opponent Paul Nicholson, Mervyn King and Dean Winstanley, and his solid style of play could stand him in good stead for his debut.
