First Round
Raymond van Barneveld’s poor qualifying campaign meant that he
would face a first round encounter although the Dutchman made light
work of his match with Anthony Broughton, winning 5-3 in a match that
was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
BDO player Paul Hogan impressed as he defeated Adam Cousins 5-2,
whilst Antonio Alcinas and Benito van de Pas both made it safely
through to the second round.
Mark Hylton and Jyhan Artut where amongst the bigger names to exit
at the first hurdle, whilst alex Roy impressed with a 5-1 victory over
Jim Hill.
There were no other major shocks in the first round, with the next 32
players from the rankings preparing to enter the fray in round 2.
Second Round
Aden Kirk’s impressive run continued as he defeated Gerwyn Price 5-2,
whilst Paul Hogan also continued along at pace as he defeated threetime World Champion John Part 5-0 on the main stage.
Kevin Dowling caused an upset as he defeated Jamie Caven 5-3, as did
Karl Merchant who defeated Arron Monk 5-4 in a close encounter.
Ronny Huybrechts and Steve Maish both enjoyed 5-0 victories over
Adrian Gray and Ben Ward respectively, whilst John Bowles, who has
enjoyed success in the tournament over the last couple of years crashed
out, losing 5-1 to Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Jason Hogg and Ian White both scraped through, defeating Wayne
Jones and Darryl Gurney respectively in deciding legs, meanwhile
Jelle Klaasen overcame John Henderson 5-1.
There were no other major
shocks and the 32
remaining players
prepared for the
influx of the top
32 from the UK
Open Order
of Merit in
the last 64
stage.
Photos: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Kevin McDine continued his good form as he overcame up and coming
Australian Kyle Anderson in a deciding leg, whilst Aden Kirk got what
would turn out to be an impressive campaign underway with a victory
over Conan Whitehead.