While Luke Littler will take to the stage shortly in the Main Arena, the 2023
UK Open is well underway in Minehead in the new Stage Two no longer in Red's Bar and also the multi-board room.
James Richardson produces a blockbuster 154 checkout on double 17 en route to victory over Thibault Tricole on Stage Two as well as also missing a 164 to win it on the bull with 'The French Touch' spurning two darts to take it to a decider.
While for Van Veen, it was a 6-4 win over Robert Owen to begin Stage Two action. Elsewhere,
Adam Warner who has previously played as a Riley's Qualifier at the UK Open started his tournament this time as a full time pro, he saw off Andy Jenkins 6-2.
While there was impressive wins for
Jurjen van der Velde with a 96 average seeing off Brett Claydon 6-4, Graham Hall defeating Jeffrey Sparidaans by the same scoreline and also
Dylan Slevin who thrashed Maik Kuivenhoven 6-0 with a 94 average.
Darryl Pilgrim who has form for smashing in massive averages hit one in defeat with a 102, a tournament high so far in losing 6-5 to Lewis Gurney.