The tournament launched into action with a two day team's event for the Peter McMenamim Cup.

Teams of four representing every Australian state and territory are going head-to-head, with the winner to be decided on Saturday.

Darts Australia president Kelvin James said late on Friday afternoon, no team had established a clear ascendancy over their rivals.

"It's probably the toughest format they (players) will play throughout the championships," he said.

The cup event will be followed on Sunday by the World Ranked Pacific Masters, with direct entry to the world masters in England later this year on offer to the winner.

Nearly 300 players are tipped to see action.

The championship's marquee event, the Australian singles championship, will be contested next Friday.

James said the competition would be red-hot.

"There's not a player in this room that can't throw a dart to a high quality," he said.

"They have all come through a tough qualification process, it just all depends on how they play on the day."

Among the top fancies is Bendigo player Justin Thompson, who has returned to competition darts after a 12 year break.

The 47-year-old said his decision resume competition was sparked by Bendigo winning the rights to host the 37^th championships.

“When I heard it was back in Bendigo, I was on the board,” said Thompson, who qualified as Victoria’s number one ranked player.

Play in the McMenamim Cup continues at 10am Saturday. Entry is free for spectators.