2021 UK Open

The "FA Cup of Darts" is back, and action kicks off on Friday afternoon. It is LIVE!!!! on ITV4, with rounds 1, 2 and 3 taking place, before round 4 in the evening.
Round 1 is for the players ranked from 97 down, plus qualifiers.
Round 2 sees the introduction of those ranked 65 to 96, while those ranked 33-64 join in the third.
The big boys, from #1 Gerwyn Price down to #32 Devon Petersen start in round 4.
The draw for the first 3 rounds has already been made, and it is a free draw so no seeding protection. The draw for round 4 is after round 3 concludes.

Raymond van Barneveld has had a good couple of weeks. First, he progressed through Q school to regain his tour card. Then last weekend Barney won one of the 4 Super Series events. This means he is already up to 86 in the Order of Merit. He faces an equally on form Alan Soutar in round 2.

The opening rounds see 8 boards in use, here are the fixtures scheduled for the main stage:

Quarter-Finals
James Wade 10-8 Simon Whitlock
Gerwyn Price 10-9 Devon Petersen
Luke Humphries 10-9 Dave Chisnall
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Krzysztof Ratajski

Evening Session (1900 GMT start)
Semi-Finals
James Wade v Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen

Final
Wade/Price v Humphries/Van Gerwen


Format
First, Second & Third Rounds - Best of 11 legs
Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Rounds & Quarter-Finals - Best of 19 legs
Semi-Finals & Final - Best of 21 legs