Anderson hit a 93 average with seven 180s and 33 percent on the doubles as he recovered from averaging around 77 in the early going to produce some real quality darts.
Anderson eased to the first set in consecutive legs despite an average of only 79 with him not looking at his sparkling best but better than Dolan at that point.
He did play some quality darts to begin the requisite set with him smashing in a brilliant 144 checkout to double his lead in the second set early on but there was a fly in the ointment with Dolan punishing him after the two time World Champion went six darts into a nine-dart finish but couldn't finish the job.
Anderson did go one set away from the victory in firm control though edging through the second set 3-1 to double his lead in proceedings with three 180s and an 89 average.
He went to double his advantage again hitting double 10 to go on the verge of victory and nearly kicked off with another nine-darter attempt but couldn't produce the goods.
He was left on 40 on his own throw though with Dolan back on 108 and he finished the job to kick off his campaign in good fashion.
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Steve Lennon (91.92) 2-3 (89.28) Callan Rydz (R1)
William O’Connor (88.23) 3-0 (83.91) Marko Kantele (R1)
Vincent van der Voort (95.79) 3-0 (91.72) Keane Barry (R1)
Gary Anderson [5] (93.77) 3-0 (90.96) Brendan Dolan (R2)
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