Magnus Caris became the final preliminary qualifier to exit at the first round as the last first round matches took place yesterday. Caris was fortunate to make it to the first round though after being 3-1 behind but came back to win 4-3 against Austrian Dietmar Burger. Caris' first round opponent was Mervyn King and King wasted no time in seeing off the challenge from the Swede. King only conceded two legs before winning 3-0 to progress into the second round.
King's opponent will be 'The Pieman' Andy Smith after he beat Australian Shane Tichowitsch. Tichowitsch had levelled to make it 1-1 but he struggled on the doubles, allowing Smith to rack up the 3-1 win. Smith progresses into the second round for the first time in four attempts.
Veteran Dennis 'The Menace' Priestley had no real trouble in progressing into the second round after beating German Bernd Roith. Roith did win the opening leg but that was it as Priestley won the next eight to seal the 3-0 victory. Priestley will face Gary Anderson in the second round which will be a tough test for both players.
Mark Walsh is the final name into the second round after overcoming a tough match against Justin Pipe. Walsh looked comfortable when he took a 2-0 lead but Pipe hit back with a 3-0 whitewash in the third set. It didn't deter Walsh as he went onto the next set to win 3-1 and book his second round tie with Alan Tabern.
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