Новости Unicorn

Bates joined Mervyn King, Michael van Gerwen and Jelle Klaasen in coming through the round-robin event unbeaten in their three group matches to move into the tournament proper.

The Welshman won 5-1 against Phill Nixon and Wayne Jones before ending the Preliminary Round with a 5-3 defeat of Australia’s Shane Tichowitsch.

Mark Dudbridge qualified from a dramatic final round of games in group six, with Andy Jenkins going into game three leading the group.

His 5-4 loss to Goran Klemme would have put the Swede through, but Dudbridge - still celebrating the birth of his third daughter Kiera last Saturday - won his final clash 5-0 against Andy Murray to sneak in on legs difference.

Ronnie Baxter also came through a tight group, edging out Richie Burnett and Dutch youngster Ron Meulenkamp.

Gary Robson won group two on superior leg difference from another Team Unicorn member, Kevin Painter, to book his place in the main field, while Scotland's Ross Montgomery was unbeaten in group four.

Robbie Green put up a strong fight in group seven, but his 5-2 loss to Klaasen cost him a place in the main tournament.