UK Open Darts 2020 preview and schedule: Saturday afternoon session

Day One didn't provide as many shocks as we're used to - in fact, only five of the world's top 20 have been knocked out, three of whom fell against opponents from that same group. But that's not to say that there wasn't drama aplenty. Three players who started in the first round are still present in the fifth, and every player remaining will believe that the UK Open magic can still rub off on them.

Chris Dobey, along with Krzysztof Ratajski, played out the tie of the opening day. In fact, it's up there with the best games the UK Open has ever seen. The Bedlington ace will be pumped up after that, and will pose a serious threat to Simon Whitlock.

Only one man can match the 105 average posted by Messrs Dobey and Ratajski; that's Michael van Gerwen, who was handed a nasty opening opponent in defending champion Nathan Aspinall but handled it well. Now he faces a serious banana skin. Jason Lowe, a new Tour Card holder, has performed excellently in his opening three ties (averaging 99 in the last two). Can Adrian Lewis' conqueror repeat the trick?

Four heavyweights follow that pair of ties on the Main Stage. Ian White is bidding to make it to the final day of the UK Open for just the third time. Peter Wright, who pulled out the big guns to send Glen Durrant packing, stands in his way. Then comes Michael Smith and Rob Cross, two players in diverging form but both with a real shot at the title. It's a repeat of last year's semi-final, which Cross won 11-7.

Stage Two has a Northern Ireland versus Republic of Ireland tie to savour as Daryl Gurney plays William O'Connor. Gerwyn Price meets Ricky Evans after dispatching an in-form Danny Noppert with minimal fuss, and Kim Huybrechts aims to take down two-time champion James Wade. Gary Anderson drops from the Main Stage board and faces 2019 quarter-finalist Simon Stevenson.

Jonny Clayton's superb win over Scott Waites flew under the radar on Friday, but Joe Cullen won't underestimate the 17th seed one bit. Mensur Suljovic, who cruised past Jamie Lewis, will similarly be wary of Dirk van Duijvenbode's potential. Alan Tabern plays his fifth match of this UK Open; the veteran's aim is to add fellow St Helens thrower Stephen Bunting to the list of beaten opponents, alongside Keane Barry, Steve Brown, Steve Lennon and Richard North. Stage Three is closed out by Matthew Edgar - already preening after one-upping Glen Durrant - facing Dimitri van den Bergh.

The depth in quality left at the UK Open is made evident by the matches on show over on Stage Four. Martin Atkins, the lucky recipient of a bye yesterday, now has Jamie Hughes between him and the sixth round. Steve West and Jelle Klaasen collide as both plot a course to get their respective careers moving back in the right direction. Martin Schindler disposed of Justin Pipe in fine style, and his reward is a match against Kyle McKinstry - the final Challenge Tour qualifier still competing in Minehead. Rounding everything off are Gabriel Clemens and Andy Boulton.

The draw for Saturday evening's sixth round takes place immediately after Michael Smith and Rob Cross conclude their match on the Main Stage.

Main Stage
Chris Dobey v Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen v Jason Lowe
Ian White v Peter Wright
Michael Smith v Rob Cross

Stage Two
Daryl Gurney v William O'Connor
Ricky Evans v Gerwyn Price
Kim Huybrechts v James Wade
Simon Stevenson v Gary Anderson

Stage Three
Joe Cullen v Jonny Clayton
Mensur Suljovic v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Alan Tabern v Stephen Bunting
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Matthew Edgar

Stage Four
Jamie Hughes v Martin Atkins
Steve West v Jelle Klaasen
Martin Schindler v Kyle McKinstry
Gabriel Clemens v Andy Boulton