ST HELENS thrower Michael Smith will feature in the Unibet Champions League of Darts in September's inaugural BBC2-televised event.

The former world youth champion will feature in Group B along with reigning world champion Gary Anderson, two-time world champion Adrian Lewis and multiple-major winner James Wade.

Scottish superstar Anderson will be the first opponent for rising talent Smith in the opening afternoon session in Cardiff on Saturday, September 24.

Michael Van Gerwen and Phil Taylor will renew their rivalry in Group A, along with Scottish duo Peter Wright and Robert Thornton for the round-robin phase of the BBC2-televised competition.

Groupings are based on the standard seeding pattern for PDC events.

"We were already excited by the prospect of the world's top eight players competing in the Unibet Champions League of Darts, but seeing the groups has given an even greater anticipation for this event," said PDC chairman Barry Hearn.

"The rivalry between Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor has built over nearly a decade and all eyes will be on them when they meet - but they've both got important openers against Robert Thornton and Peter Wright to overcome first.

"Group B will include a rematch of the World Championship final between Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis, and when they are on top of their games they're a joy to watch, and with James Wade and Michael Smith in the mix too it's going to be another tight group."

Tickets, starting from just £15, are available from the Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 22 44 88 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Unibet Champions League of Darts Group A:

Michael van Gerwen (1)

Phil Taylor (4)

Peter Wright (5)

Robert Thornton (8)

Group B:

Gary Anderson (2)

Adrian Lewis (3)

James Wade (6)

Michael Smith (7)

Matches, Saturday September 24:

Afternoon Session (1pm), Group A: Michael van Gerwen v Robert Thornton, Phil Taylor v Peter Wright. Group B: Gary Anderson v Michael Smith, Adrian Lewis v James Wade. Order of matches TBC

Tickets: £30/£25/£15.

Evening Session (6.30pm), Second Group Matches:

Afternoon session's winners play each other, and losers play each other.

Tickets: £35/£30/£20.

Sunday, September 25:

Afternoon Session (1pm), Third Group Matches

Tickets: £30/£25/£15.

Evening Session (6.30pm), Semi-Finals and Final

Tickets: £35/£30/£20.

For full ticket information and Terms & Conditions, see www.pdc.tv/tickets.