STUART Kellett must wait to discover his first-round opponent at the William Hill Bet World Darts Championships later this month.

The Northwich ace, seeded in the 64-strong field, will play the victor of a preliminary round encounter between Kim Viljanen, from Finland, and German Sascha Stein.

Kellett has yet to win a match on stage at Alexandra Palace in London during two previous appearances at the tournament, including a 3-0 defeat against Paul Nicholson last year.

However an added incentive for the 33-year-old progress this time is a potential clash with defending champion and world number one Michael van Gerwen in the last 32.

The Dutch ace, who defeated Peter Wright to lift the trophy for a first time in 2014, was paired with Joe Cullen in the draw earlier today, Tuesday.

Kellett, ranked 33 in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Order of Merit, became the 32nd seed following Welshman Richie Burnett’s removal.

Viljanen, who won the Danish Open at Copenhagen in October, finished third overall on the Scandinavian Order of Merit.

He replaces second-ranked Jarrko Komula, who is ineligible due to a suspension from the Finnish Darts Organisation.

Stein earned a chance to reach the competition proper after finishing as runner-up in the Bulls Superleague Germany qualifier last month.

Winner Max Hopp had already made safe a place through the PDC ProTour Order of Merit.

The world championships is due to start on Thursday, December 18.

A schedule of play will be confirmed shortly.