Michael van Gerwen handed tough draw at European Championship

Michael van Gerwen has been handed a tough draw for the European Championship, which takes place in Belgium later this month.

The world number one has been drawn to play Simon Whitlock and if he comes through that clash, he could face Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney, who beat him at the German Darts Championship on Sunday.

James Wade will face Gary Anderson in what is the pick of the first-round ties, while Phil Taylor - who is unseeded for this event - will take on Alan Norris.

Second seed Mensur Suljovic will play Jermaine Wattimena, with third seed Peter Wright taking on Justin Pipe.

Full first-round draw

Michael van Gerwen vs. Simon Whitlock Daryl Gurney vs. Gerwyn Price Jelle Klaasen vs. Steve West Michael Smith vs. Stephen Bunting Kim Huybrechts vs. James Wilson Mervyn King vs. Devon Petersen James Wade vs. Gary Anderson Max Hopp vs. Benito van de Pas Mensur Suljovic vs. Jermaine Wattimena Ian White vs. Terry Jenkins Alan Norris vs. Phil Taylor Chris Dobey vs. Joe Cullen Dave Chisnall vs. Kyle Anderson Jamie Caven vs. James Richardson Peter Wright vs. Justin Pipe Cristo Reyes vs. Robert Thornton