A record field of 64 finalists assembled to battle for Phil Taylor's world crown.

John Lowe's world ranking had fallen to a level which meant he was forced to qualify for the event – which he failed to do for the first time in his career.

Bob Anderson, who made his debut in 1984, now had the longest unbroken run – making his 23rd consecutive appearance for these championships.

A major shock came in the first round when world number one and top seed Colin Lloyd lost to Gary Welding – it was only the second time in the history of the PDC World Championship that the top seed fell in the first round (Peter Manley being the first in 2001).

His toughest battle en route to the championship was a tight semi-final against Wayne Mardle which he managed to win by 6 sets to 5.