MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has joined the list of players who will compete in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts.
The confirmation of the 2008 World Masters for December means that 2006 champion van Gerwen will be invited to compete in the Grand Slam of Darts, in accordance with the event inviting the past two years' finalists from major tournaments.
The 18-year-old Dutchman played in the inaugural Grand Slam of Darts last November, losing out to Mervyn King in his final group game to be denied a place in the last 16.
Van Gerwen is now ranked 35th on the PDC Order of Merit after just over a year on the PDC circuit.
"We're delighted that Michael will be playing in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"He is such an exciting young talent, and he is improving all the time as a result of his experience in these big events.
"I know Michael himself is looking forward to the Grand Slam and he is determined to succeed in this event in November.
"He is the latest addition to a high-quality field including World Champions John Part and Mark Webster, as well as Michael's successor as World Masters winner, Robert Thornton and two other brilliant youngsters, Kirk Shepherd and Kevin McDine."