Rowby John Rodriguez, Zoran Lerchbacher into Austrian Open second round

Home favourites Rowby-John Rodriguez and Zoran Lerchbacher began their Austrian Open campaign with first round wins in Vienna on Friday.

Former World Youth Championship finalist Rodriguez made light work of European Tour debutant Steve McNally in a 6-1 thumping to set up a second round clash against World Championship quarter-finalist Alan Norris.

After taking the opening leg, Rodriguez showed his intent with a 97 checkout in the second for a break and never looked back racing into 4-0 lead before McNally finally got on the board but Rodriguez took the next two legs to seal his place in the second round.

It wasn't quite as straightforward for another host nation qualifier as Lerchbacher overcame Jeffrey de Zwaan in a narrow 6-4 victory to the delight of the home crowd.

However, there was disappointment for Austria's Roxy-James Rodriguez - the elder brother of Rowby-John - as he lost 6-4 to Nigel Heydon, whilst 18-year-old debutant Nico Mandl was comfortably seen off 6-1 by Jonny Clayton who next meets Michael van Gerwen.

Steve West produced the performance of the day as he fired six maximums and a 101 average to beat Mervyn King 6-3, and will now face Phil Taylor who makes his return to European Tour action for the first time in two years.

There were also strong performances from Steve Beaton and Jamie Caven, who knocked out former Austrian Darts Open winners Vincent van der Voort and Justin Pipe respectively, while left-hander Ron Meulenkamp overcame fellow Dutchman Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3.

Elsewhere, there was a dream debut for Simon Stevenson as he came through a tough battle with James Wilson 6-5 to reach the second round.

Chris Dobey continued his strong form on the European Tour as he eased past Darron Brown, and James Richardson produced some scintillating darts in a 6-2 victory over former Lakeside champion Christian Kist.

Another man in top form is Josh Payne and he showed no signs of letting up with an impressive 6-3 victory over Wes Newton.

Mark Frost displayed some masterful finishing as he hit six out of six on the doubles to beat Mike Zuydwijk, whilst Australia's Kyle Anderson edged out Ross Smith 6-4 in a ferocious battle.

Belgian Dimitri Van Den Bergh also progressed to the second round with a 6-1 victory over Wayne Jones and Jermaine Wattimena saw off Brendan Dolan 6-3 to set up a clash with Peter Wright.

Saturday will see the second round take place over an afternoon and evening session before Sunday's last eight meetings as well as the semi-finals and final.