Baby joy for David Pallett but Thomas Junghans ensures swift Lakeside exit as renegade Nicole Regnaud impresses

David Pallett perhaps had one of the best days of his life today despite losing in the opening round of the 2023 WDF Lakeside World Championship. He became a father and rushed back to Frimley Green to play in the last match of the day.

But awaiting him was Swiss ace, Thomas Junghans who ensured a swift exit for the former PDC Tour Card holder at Lakeside. Four maximums propelled him to Swiss Bliss in a 2-0 straight sets triumph. Albeit Pallett will likely have more pressing matters than tonight's clash in truth.

Junghans opened up with double 10 to break. He missed three for the set and Pallett at 2-1 down and then another three which saw Pallett return for 2-2. Junghans hit 50 though to seal the set and was throwing in the next set for the win.

A 156 for 24 saw Junghans go 2-0 up in the second set and head towards the finish pinning double six eventually. A third 180 for the Swiss ace started the next leg albeit a cruel bounce out only saw him score 25. Pallett though couldn’t capitalise and Junghans hit another maximum to leave 116. Junghans missed double 20 for it but returned to seal it.

Renegade Regnaud impresses as Olde Kalter hits bullseye for victory

Nicole Regnaud will face Aileen de Graaf and based off tonight's evidence, it could be a tough test for the Dutchwoman in the Quarter-Finals.

Regnaud saw off Anna Forsmark in the best women's contest yet in which the Kiwi excelled in an entertaining contest winning 6/7 legs with two maximums. Impressing at last year's Australian Open, she could be one to watch this week.

Forsmark made an accomplished start to the contest taking it 3-1 but it was maximums in back-to-back legs for Regnaud as she found her feet to begin the second set and she went 2-0 up and one away from tying it up.

Forsmark missed 107 to hold and Regnaud took advantage eventually on double 20 for 1-1 in sets. As Forsmark started to wilt, Regnaud hit double 20 for the lead. She went one away and was looking at 92 for the match only able to set up as Forsmark looked at 42 for a decider. Forsmark though missed the chance and Regnaud hit with the young Kiwi pinning double 20 for the victory.

Dennie Olde Kalter too could be one to look out for in the men's draw. Antony Allen who last year fell as a seed to Jarred Cole lost again on the Lakeside stage to the Dutchman 2-0 with a superb 81 on the bull claiming it.

Breaks were the order of the day early on as Allen raised his arms aloft after hitting 42 for 1-1. He hung onto the throw hitting double 18. But Olde Kalter managed to take the opening set in the end and had the throw to head towards the finish.

But again it was a break as Allen hit double 20. Olde Kalter though went one away with a hold on double 10 at 2-1. An 81 checkout on the bull saw him seal victory.