West proved too strong for Per Laursen, the experienced Host Nation qualifier. Laursen had a high checkout of 142 but two 180’s and a 87 average gave ‘Simply’ a win in the first round.
Jacques overcame the in form Paul Nicholson. He will face Stephen Bunting tomorrow and despite being outscored by his opponent at times, Jacques looked good and could prove a good test for the Bullet.
Finally Evans came from 4-0 down against Nilsson with the Swede having darts for 5-0. He reeled off leg after leg and even said afterwards it was a game he would have lost last year but he now has the confidence.
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Mickey Mansell (87.6) 5 (11) 6 (90.97) Jelle Klaasen
Robert Thornton (76.07) 5 (11) 6 (82.53) Scott Taylor
Per Laursen (81.60) 4-6 (87.04) Steve West
Paul Nicholson (90.52) 4 (11) 6 (89.02) Peter Jacques
Ricky Evans (90.87) 6 (11) 4 (88.95) Dennis Nilsson
Adrian Lewis v Ted Evetts
Brian Lokken v Cristo Reyes
Max Hopp v Dragutin Horvat