Wattimena sees off Murnan challenge, Ostlund impresses on debut and Bialecki eases past local qualifier as the Hungarian Darts Trophy gets underway

The 2023 Hungarian Darts Trophy has got underway this Friday afternoon with Jermaine Wattimena, Anton Ostlund and Sebastian Bialecki becoming the first three players to secure their spots in the second round.

First up was Joe Murnan versus Jermaine Wattimena. It was Murnan who started the brighter, racing into an early 2-0 lead but after the Dutchman settled himself in leg 3, he then reeled off the following two legs to nudge in front at 3-2. After a break of throw a piece in the next pair of legs, it was then Wattimena who put the hammer down and powered towards the finish line and secured a 6-4 victory.

Two European Tour debutants were up next as Vladimir Andersen faced off against Anton Ostlund. Both players showed signs of what they were capable but there was also some clear evidence of nerves as Andersen bust 116 with two treble 20s. After the pair traded holds of throw early on it was Ostlund who got the first break to move 4-2 ahead. A couple of legs later courtesy of a brilliant 145 checkout, Ostlund was through to the second round.

Next up, Sebastian Bialecki took on local qualifier Mihaly Vida. Bialecki was in complete control of this one right from the get-go. The Pole raced into a 5-0 lead with consummate ease. In front of his roaring compatriots though, Vida did get his moment as he fired in a 180 and followed it up with a stunning 161 checkout but it was nothing more than a consolation as Bialecki prevailed 6-1.