"Never ever count me out": Thornton sends statement with highest average of first round at World Seniors Darts Championship

Robert Thornton produced the display of the first round to end it as he hit a 94 average to see off Roland Scholten to begin the defence of his World Seniors Darts Championship crown.

Thornton spoke afterwards and said despite that, he was disappointed with facets of his game but that the heat was an issue at times.

"I was kind of disappointed, I had a couple of loose darts but my doubles were there. The only thing that got to me was the heat when I got up here, the stage is low and they're quite close so it gets to you," said Thornton post match.

Speaking about recently and not playing the best in the Open Series, he said to never count him out but that also he wasn't aiming to send a statement.

"I know it's there and never ever count me out. You've got Scott Mitchell, Neil Duff so you know it's going to be hard to win.

"I just wanted to turn up, win the game as quick as I could and get off. It's one of them, when you're defending champion the pressure is on you a bit so you've got to try and get up there and win as quick as you can."

Walking into the venue one year on from his incredible win at the Circus Tavern, he hopes to strike it third time lucky.

"It's absolutely brilliant, my first time here I got to the Players Championship Finals, my second time I won the Seniors so I hope its first time lucky."