Lakeside debutants Justin Thompson (Australia) and Chris Gilliland (Northern Ireland) clash in a preliminary-round tie, with the winner facing Darryl Fitton in the first round. Thompson is at the Lakeside after winning the Australian National Singles and Gilliland fought through seven matches at the qualifiers in Bridlington, including a win over 2016 quarter finalist Dennis Harbour. Gilliland is confident that if he throws his best darts, he can make an impact at the Lakeside.