Undoubted highlight of the first day’s play in Manchester was Jim Widmayer’s stunning victory over Martin Adams to close the session.  After opening up 3-1 lead, New Yorker Widmayer allowed Adams to tie the score at 4-4.  The American broke the throw to put himself one leg way from the Second Round, only for the former World Champion to break straight back in 14 darts.

The Englishman had the advantage of the throw in the eleventh and deciding leg, and opened with scores of 140, 135, and 140.  Widmayer responded brilliantly, however, with 125, 180, and 128!  When Adams failed to convert the required 86 (just missing the double bull), Widmayer checked out from 68 in two darts for a superb 11-darter!

The sole American representative now faces Geert de Vos.  The Belgian saw off the challenge of Rick Hofstra in a tight 10-leg affair.

Belgium provided another opening night shock as Stefaan Deprez stormed to a 6-1 triumph over former World Cup Singles winner Tony O’Shea.  Reigning World Cup Singles Champ Wesley Harms did better, and sneaked by Swedish #1 Peter Sajwani 6-4.

There were also wins for Mark McGeeney, Wayne Warren, Sam Hewson, and Gary Robson.  Like Jim Widmayer, “Robbo” went to the last leg before dispatching Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas, who recorded the evening’s highest average.

Best Women’s performance came from young Fallon Sherrock, who posted an impressive 29.47 in her 4-0 demolition of Paula Jacklin.  Nine-times Women’s World Champion Trina Gulliver MBE slumped to a disappointing defeat against Deta Hedman, and Rachel Brooks and Rhian Griffiths were the other winners.

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