Carl Wilkinson handles 'The Truth' as Jacob Taylor beaten on WDF Lakeside debut

Carl Wilkinson is a previous PDC Tour Card holder but now favours the WDF route and playing for his county and country. But he finally made his Lakeside bow on Friday night taking down Jacob Taylor.

The Isle of Man Classic champion produced a solid display as he saw off the Canadian who has previously been a standout on the CDC Tour but was beaten by Wilkinson who had great support too willing him on.

In what was one of the most high quality affairs on paper, it was a slow start from both but it was the former PDC Tour Card holder over the CDC leading light that got off to the best start.

Taylor nearly gave Wilkinson a dose of 'The Truth' but he missed darts to seal the set after setting up 57 from 121 having to burn a dart after going inside the one instead of the 17. This allowed Wilkinson back to nab the set.

But Taylor broke to begin the second as he looked to hit back immediately. A 48 checkout saw him hold throw to make it 2-0. Wilkinson hit double five to stop Taylor throwing for the set. The Yorkshire ace hit double three to break and he went one away from the win.

Wilkinson missed 48 for the match but Taylor missed two darts for the set. At the fifth attempt, he sealed the win as 'The Sword' slayed 'The Truth'.

While Francois Schweyen who has qualified for European Tours on home soil previously had more stage experience than debutant Michael Cassar who was an unknown quantity.

He showed quality early on against the Belgian but The Clock struck Round Two as he overturned a two-leg deficit in set one to ease home against the Aussie. But it is another Aussie in Round Two as he faces off against Danny Porter.

A lot more is expected of Porter this year mostly from himself after an early exit in 2023. He is now top seed and will face the Belgian tomorrow night in one of the top ties.