Sebastian Bialecki bolts into second round with Veronika Ihasz and Ricky Nauman also among early winners as 2023 WDF World Championships get underway at Lakeside

The 2023 edition of the WDF World Championships at Lakeside is underway and the first names to secure themselves a spot in Round 2, are Sebastian Bialecki, Veronika Ihasz and Ricky Nauman.

Making his Lakeside debut, the 19-year-old, Polish prodigy Sebastian Bialecki wasted little time settling in on the big stage. Dropping just a single leg in the match, 'Bolt' was a clear level above opponent Scott Marsh and thanks to checkouts of 74, 78 and 97, plus an average of 85.42, he booked himself a place in Round 2, where Andy Baetens awaits.

In the first match of the Ladies' event, Jo Clements faced off against Veronika Ihasz. With both players making a somewhat nervy start, the first four legs went against the throw before Ihasz held in the decider to take the opening set. In set 2, Ihasz had more control and taking the set by three legs to one, the Hungarian secured a straight sets win to progress to round 2.

As the opening session of the 2023 tournament reached its halfway stage, Aaron Turner was up against the Swedish thrower, Ricky Nauman. Whilst Turner showcased some good scoring power, hitting three 180s in the opening set, his doubling was letting him down and as such, the more clinical Nauman took a 1-0 set lead. In set 2, despite more profligacy on the outer ring, Turner's superior scoring power continued to allow him multiple opportunities and he levelled up at a set apiece courtesy of a 111 checkout. In set 3 though it was Nauman who wrestled back the momentum and with his fourth match dart on double 5, the Swede secured the win.