Dennis Nilsson, Paula Murphy and Reece Colley all secure progression to Round 2 at Lakeside

The opening session of the 2023 WDF World Championship at Lakeside has now come to a close with Dennis Nilsson, Paula Murphy and Reece Colley all securing their spots in Round 2.

Looking to become the second Swedish winner of the day, Dennis Nilsson was taking on the methodical Jordan Brooks. Despite Nilsson being seemingly unimpressed by the amount of time Brooks was taking over his throws, the Swedish strongman managed to secure the opening set. After some double-trouble for the Englishman in set 2, Nilsson secured a straight-sets victory and progression to Round 2.

Then, it was time for more ladies' action as Paula Murphy faced Almudena Fajardo. It the American Murphy, who often favours the treble 19 over the treble 20 that started the better of the two, racing into an early lead to take the opening set. In set 2 however, Fajardo seemed to have settled and managed to level up the match. Despite the Spaniard's brave fightback however, Murphy's experience told as she bounced back in set 3 to take the win.

Finally, rounding out the session were two players at opposite ends of their respective careers, Reece Colley and Dave Prins. It was the younger of the pair, Colley, who raced through the opening set, taking it 3-0 to move into the lead. Although Prins was able to deny a complete whitewash, taking the second leg of the second set, Colley was able to secure a comfortable win and set up a second-round tie against Wesley Plaisier, finishing with a brilliant 150 out.