Alan Tabern could be a big threat in Blackpool this week judging by his superb 10-5 first round victory over Andy Smith.
Saint and Bull go marching through in Blackpool, Menace goes out
Alan Tabern could be a big threat in Blackpool this week judging by his superb 10-5 first round victory over Andy Smith in the World Matchplay, although Terry Jenkins also started his campaign well by beating Peter Wright.
'The Saint' Tabern went behind early on against Smith but hit top form and the left-hander hit four 100+ checkouts as he set-up a second round clash with Ronnie Baxter.
Terry Jenkins also looked in decent form as he powered past Peter Wright 10-4, and he now faces Denis Ovens as 'The Heat' proved too hot for a below-par Dennis Priestley to handle as he went out 10-5.
Mark Walsh won the final game of the afternoon session as he beat Andy Jenkins 10-5, and he will now face the winner of the all-Dutch battle between Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen later on Wednesday.
Smith, known as 'The Pieman' took an early 4-2 lead against left-handed Tabern and looked in good shape, but the St Helens thrower soon showed his best arrows.
Checkouts
A 126 outshot on the Bull made it 4-4, and checkouts of 111, 150, 101 in consecutive legs moved him into a 9-4 lead, before a 14-darter finished it at 10-5.
2007 finalist Jenkins started his latest campaign strongly, as he averaged 97 and hit seven 180s en route to a commanding 10-4 win over the colourful Wright.
Jenkins stormed into a 7-1 lead and never looked in any danger despite Wright banging in an 11-darter, as the Leadbury thrower looks to get back to his old form.
"I'm happy with that," said Jenkins. "I've been practising well at home and hitting a lot of 180s and it's pleasing to take that on stage with you.
"I feel pretty good coming into this event and been preparing well, and I think I'm getting my old self back."
Ovens too hot
Jenkins will play Ovens in round two following his comfortable win over veteran Priestley, who looked way off his best in Blackpool.
Priestley never really got going and, when he did, checkouts of 118, 125 and 116 from Ovens kept him at bay.
"Dennis is a legend but that wasn't the real Dennis Priestley up there," said Ovens. "He did not perform and I took my chances. It wasn't my best performance overall but I did my best and am through to the next round."
Walsh will face Dutch opposition in round two after disposing of 'Rocky' Jenkins with a comfortable 10-5 success, and he now waits to see who will come through out of veteran multiple world champion Barney and the up-and-coming van Gerwen.
