Martin Lukeman has discovered who he will potentially face in the first two rounds of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

The Watford thrower has been drawn against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha in the first round of the Alexandra Palace showpiece, with a clash against world No. 10 Damon Heta the reward for the winner.

The 38-year-old had hoped he may be able to force himself into the top-32 of the PDC Order of Merit and be seeded straight through to the second round with a good performance at the Players Championship Finals at the weekend.

Lukeman impressed in his first round clash with Luke Humphries, but found the hottest name in the sport – and eventual champion – too strong as he lost 6-4 in the best of 11 legs match.

The sport’s flagship tournament gets underway on December 11 and this will be Lukeman’s second appearance at Ally Pally, having lost to Martin Schindler in the second round last year.