Jimmy van Schie shines at Lakeside and underscores favorite status; solid win for Beau Greaves at women's World Championship

Jimmy van Schie showed Tuesday night why he is the big favorite for the men's title at the WDF World Championships. Van Schie had a very convincing start to his tournament by defeating Bjorn Lejon 3-0.

Van Schie almost didn't even compete in the WDF World Championship. The Dutchman participated in November in the qualifying tournament for the PDC World Darts Championship, missing match darts in the final to qualify. As a result, Van Schie can still attempt to earn the top prize of 50,000 pounds this week in Frimley Green.

With the play he showed on Tuesday, he at least has a good chance of doing so. Thanks to an average of 98.98, the highest of the tournament so far, he only allowed Lejon two. With two 15-darters and a 14-darter, Van Schie won the first set 3-1.

The 31-year-old darter then started the second set with a 15-darter before Lejon tied for 1-1 with an 18-darter. The Swede then had to pass when Van Schie came up with a 13-darter and a 15-darter to take the set 3-1. Then Van Schie finished it off quickly. A 14-darter made it 1-0 in the third set, after which a 17-darter made it 2-0. Van Schie then closed the match in fine fashion with a 15-darter.

Van Schie's victory ensured that we will have a Dutch dual between Van Schie and Jarno Bottenberg in the last sixteen. 'Bottie' won 3-1 in sets over Ryan Hogarth in the second round on Tuesday.

Among the ladies, top favorite Beau Greaves was in action. The two-time women's world champion was tested somewhat by her Finnish opponent Kirsi Viinikainen, but managed to win 2-0 in sets with solid play by deciding both sets 3-1.