HUMPHRIES TO FACE CLEMENS IN PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS OPENER

Luke Humphries will begin his defence of the Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title against Gabriel Clemens, with the field and draw for next month's TV event now confirmed.

The £600,000 tournament - featuring the top 64 players on the Players Championship Order of Merit following the conclusion of the 30-event 2024 Players Championship season - will take place at Butlin’s Minehead Resort from November 22-24.

Humphries defeated Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final 12 months ago, and the world number one kicks off his title defence with an intriguing showdown against German number two Clemens.

Van Gerwen opens his challenge against 2019 semi-finalist Ian White, as the Dutch superstar eyes a record-extending eighth Players Championship Finals title next month.

Chris Dobey will be the top seed after winning a trio of Players Championship titles in 2024, and the Bedlington star faces world number eight Nathan Aspinall in a blockbuster clash.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler and 2018 World Champion Rob Cross also go head-to-head in another fascinating showdown, in a repeat of their recent first round tie at the World Grand Prix.