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For Manley, it was the same old story…..good in patches but very ordinary on the finishing and yet again, missed doubles cost him. The only small consolation for Manley is that he’ll now be able to chase priceless ranking points at next weekend’s Ireland Open Classic.

But take nothing away from Lloyd, who swept to a 3 sets to 1 victory and produced glimpses of the form that we know he is capable of.

In a thrilling opening set, Lloyd took the opening two legs, only for Manley to hit back with the next two…..and ‘One Dart’ looked favourite to take the decider, sitting pretty on 28, before Unicorn’s World No.1 produced a quite brilliant 154 check-out to take the set and leave Manley shaking his head in disbelief.

The second set again saw Lloyd dominate with the help of Manley missed doubles and another terrific check-out……this time 105. Manley hit back to take the third set but Lloyd wasn’t to be denied. The first two legs went with throw but Lloyd got the vital break, when the man from Carlisle missed four darts to level it up and double 4 finally took Lloyd through to the 2nd Round.

“I am happy with that,” admitted Lloyd. “I had a 50 per cent check out percentage and averaged over 90, so I know there is a lot left in the locker. That 154 finish to win the first set gave me the confidence boost I needed and from there, I always thought I would win the match. To be fair, Peter missed lots of doubles but it is an important win for me.”

Lloyd will now meet top seed Gary Anderson in the 2nd round, after he demolished Ted Hankey 3 sets to nil.

Phil Taylor produced a sensational display to thrash Brian Sorensen. ‘The Power’ dropped just one leg in the match – winning 3-0…he averaged an incredible 104.33 and hit six 180s in an amazing performance!

He said afterwards: “I really want this title and I feel I am a big threat to the rest of the field. It was a great experience up there and I just hope I showed everyone what I am capable of but I still think I can play even better! I feel at ease here in Holland because there is no pressure on me and I am delighted to start the tournament with such a good display.”

‘Good’ doesn’t begin to describe it! Taylor averaged 111 in the first set and won it with an 11-dart leg…..scores of 180, 140, 165 and then double eight at the second attempt.

He hit six perfect darts in the first leg of the second set. Sorensen won his only leg of the match, only after Taylor missed a stack of doubles but it didn’t matter as ‘The Power’ found another surge to send out a warning to the rest of the field. The BDO players must all be worried men, because if Taylor carries on playing like that, his dream of winning the World Darts Trophy will surely become reality.

Stay in touch with the Unicorn website during the event for regular updates on the news section.

BY STUART PYKE