Darts' big guns enter the fray at the third round stage in true FA Cup style this evening alongside the 32 survivors from the opening night in Bolton.
Flying Scotsman Gary Anderson kicks off the night's main stage action against Northumberland's Dave Dodds, a landscape gardener by day.
Anderson will be out to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League campaign which saw him finish bottom of the table, by returning to his clinical best in Bolton this weekend.
Qualifier Dodds is no stranger to the UK Open stage; he lost out James Wade last year despite a gritty effort and will no doubt use that experience in his favour as he attempts to cause a major upset.
Phil Taylor returns to mount a challenge for a fifth UK Open title as he opens up his tournament against former champion Roland Scholten in the second televised match of the night.
The Power comes into the event off the back of a rampant Premier League season in which he stormed to the £150,000 title and returns to a venue which has served him well over the years.
Despite a slide down the world rankings in recent years, Scholten remains a dangerous player and appears to have finally shaken off the shoulder injury that triggered his sharp downfall.
The match of the night features a mouth-watering all-Dutch battle between Raymond van Barneveld and Jelle Klaasen, two players capable of producing something special at any time.
Barney's resurgent Premier League campaign silenced the critics who wrote him off following his first round exit at the World Championships and the five-time world champion will be looking to do damage in this tournament.
Klaasen on the other hand has proved to be the definition of inconsistency following his switch to the PDC in 2007.
The quick-fire youngster has struggled to make quite the impact that was expected of him following his maiden Lakeside world title and is now battling to keep hold of his place in the world's top 32.
For many, the tie will bring back memories of their epic battle at the 2009 World Championship, a game which saw Barneveld produce a breath-taking nine darter en route to a crushing 5-1 victory.
Both possess superb scoring power, but the game could ultimately come down to who can convert their chances at doubles, something which often blights the youngster as a result of his rapid style of play.
Reigning champion James Wade and former world number one Colin Lloyd provide a gripping climax to the third round action when they lock horns for a place in the business end of the competition on Saturday.
Wade survived a huge scare from qualifier Stephen Bunting on Thursday evening, watching his opponent squander four missed darts for victory before stepping in to snatch a 4-3 win.
The longer format however provides an equal platform for both players to settle into the game and the left-hander will be hoping to kickstart his title defence with a convincing display against the man known as Jaws.
Lloyd dropping out of the world's top 16 for the first time in a decade last month and is in need of a good run in TV majors in order to regain his place among the game's elite.
All matches on board one will be streamed live over the best of 17 legs from the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.
The draw for the fourth round will be conducted on stage following the final third round match of the night and will see the 32 remaining players thrust into the open draw format where any tie is possible.
UK Open Third Round Main Stage Order of Play
Friday June 8
Third Round (best of 17 legs)
Board One (main stage)
Gary Anderson v David Dodds
Roland Scholten v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Jelle Klaasen
James Wade v Colin Lloyd
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