The action is under way at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in Hamburg. Defending champions England return with last year’s winning duo Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis and are worthy favourites. The Dutch look very strong with Van Gerwen and Barney, while Australia (Whitlock & Nicholson) and Scotland (Anderson & Thornton) should have a good shout.
Republic of Ireland are seeded 8 with Limerick duo Willie O’Connor and Connie Finnan representing. They are in a group with Denmark and South Africa, the Danes have just defeated the South Africans 5-4. Earlier on the Huybrecht brothers Kim and Ronny combined for Belgium to smash Hungary 5-0.