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King makes Flash start

Lewis and Lloyd also victorious in Blackpool

Last updated: 4th August 2009

King: Up and running

First round results:
A Lewis 10-7 C Stompe
C Lloyd 10-7 W Jones
M King 10-7 M Dudbridge

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Mervyn King overcame a tough first round test from Mark Dudbridge to book his place in the second round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

The 2009 Premier League finalist battled back from 5-3 down to beat Dudbridge 10-7 on Sunday night.

Dudbridge, a runner-up at Winter Gardens in 2004, started the stronger on the opening night in Blackpool, effortlessly wiping out double 18 to take a 3-2 lead against the throw.

King showed glimpses of his best and an impressive 92 finish saw him break back in the next before 'Flash' opened up a two-leg cushion.

The Norfolk dartist upped the ante from there on, reeling off four successive legs to take the lead before another fightback, this time from Dudbridge, levelled the scores at 7-7.

However King held his nerve when it mattered, a sensational 147 checkout putting him 9-7 ahead and double 16 sealing the win.

Adrian Lewis was also made to work hard for his first round triumph on a dramatic opening night in the North West.

'Jackpot' powered into a 6-2 lead over Dutch dartist Co Stompe before clinching a 10-7 success on double eight.

The remaining first round match saw Colin Lloyd complete a night of 10-7 scorelines with victory over Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones.