The world's top two players will go head-to-head in Sunday's Betfred World Matchplay final, as Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen do battle for the right to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy.
One of the biggest days on the darting calendar will see the sport's premier players lock horns on what promises to be an unmissable night of action at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
Humphries is featuring in his maiden World Matchplay final, while Van Gerwen has his sights set on lifting a fourth title at the Empress Ballroom.
Only Phil Taylor has enjoyed more success at this event than Van Gerwen, and the Dutch superstar is desperate to add to his hat-trick of successes in 2015, 2016 and 2022.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I believe in my own ability,” declared Van Gerwen, who has won his last three World Matchplay finals.
“It would mean a lot to me to lift this title, but we are not that far yet.
“I have a big battle ahead. I’m looking forward to it, and I have to smash him!”
Van Gerwen was the underdog in his first round tie against Luke Littler, but he reaffirmed his credentials with a statement 10-6 success against the teenage sensation.
The 35-year-old then won through hard-fought ties against Joe Cullen and Andrew Gilding, before producing a stunning display of scoring on his way to a 17-13 victory over Michael Smith.
However, the three-time champion missed 40 darts at double in his semi-final win against Smith, and he knows he must sharpen up on the outer ring against Humphries.
“I think my scoring power has been fantastic in this tournament, but my doubles are letting me down,” conceded the world number two.
“I know I have to improve my doubling. Luke has a good record against me recently, but he hasn’t won against me at the World Matchplay!
“Luke is playing well, but he’s not been tested properly yet, and I am going to do that tonight.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and I think it’s going to be a cracker for people to watch.”
Humphries - a semi-finalist in 2023 - has been imperious in his run to Sunday's showpiece, recording four consecutive ton-plus averages to close in on a maiden World Matchplay crown.
The 29-year-old produced the performance of the tournament in his first round victory against Ricardo Pietreczko, averaging 108.76 to dispatch the impressive debutant.
Humphries then overcame Masters champion Stephen Bunting in round two, before producing late bursts to deny former winners Dimitri Van den Bergh and James Wade in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
“I'm really looking forward to the final, I've got my family coming down so it will be another proud occasion for me,” Humphries revealed.
“I remember being devastated when I lost in the semi-finals here last year, but I’ve achieved so much in the last 12 months, and now it’s all eyes on Michael.
“It’s probably the second biggest game I’ve ever played in, but I proved in the World Championship that I can do it over the long format on the biggest stages in world darts.”
Humphries has been the sport’s dominant force throughout the last nine months, winning five televised titles, including the World Championship, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals.
The Newbury ace also steered England to World Cup of Darts glory on debut last month, and he’s confident of writing another chapter in his remarkable darting story.
“It would round off one of the greatest years of my life,” admitted Humphries, the 8/15 pre-match favourite with title sponsor Betfred.
“There’s probably only Phil and Michael that have won so much in a short space of time, so to match the achievements of the two greatest dart players in the world is very special for me.
“Five major tournament wins along with the World Championship and the World Cup win – there aren’t many people that have done that before.
“I have always said I want to create a legacy in this sport. I want to be one of the top three, four or five biggest major winners, and winning titles like this would help me with that.”
The Betfred World Matchplay is broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Sunday July 21 (2000 BST)
Final
Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen
Best of 35 legs
NB: Sky Sports on air from 1930 BST