Rafferty and Barry come through close encounters as Major ensures home hopes survive at the Hungarian Darts Trophy

The first round of the 2023 Hungarian Darts Trophy has drawn to a close and the final three players to book their spots in round 2 are Nathan Rafferty, Nando Major and Keane Barry.

Rafferty pulled off a shock in his first round tie, sending former Lakeside champion Stephen Bunting packing courtesy of a 6-4 win. The young Northern Irishman was in quality form, averaging over 99 and firing in four 180s en route to his victory.

Major then ensured that Hungarian hopes would live on until Saturday at least as he slugged his way past World Grand Prix hopeful Ricardo Pietreczko 6-4. Plenty of missed doubles from both means it'll feel like one that got away for Pietreczko but that won't bother Major who will now face Damon Heta in the next round.

Finally, rounding off the opening day of action in Hungary, Barry became the final man into round 2 courtesy of a 6-3 win over World Championship semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens. In a quality encounter, both players averaged upwards of 95 with Clemens actually hitting five 180s in a losing effort. Six from twelve on his doubles though, some fine finishing from Barry helped him ensure progession to round 2.

DYNAMITE DISPATCHES CLEMENS! 🇮🇪

Terrific display from Keane Barry, who rounds off Friday's first round action with an impressive 6-3 victory over Gabriel Clemens, as the German's miserable European Tour record in 2023 continues...

📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 pic.twitter.com/NomgE445Qd

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 22, 2023