BDO World Darts Championship: Danny Noppert impresses again
Danny Noppert was cut to 7/2 for the BDO World Darts Championship by Sky Bet after cruising into the second round on Monday afternoon.
The Dutch youngster lost in the final to Glen Durrant a year ago and a rematch could well be on the cards on the evidence we've seen so far at the Lakeside.
Noppert, who had to come through a preliminary round on Saturday to make the main draw, was a class apart from late call-up Richie Edwards in a regulation 3-0 win.
Edwards replaced 15th seed James Hurrell, who withdrew due to ill health, but it was soon clear that his stay would be a short one as Noppert stamped his class all over proceedings.
Next for the 27-year-old is a clash with second seed Mark McGeeney, one which could well dictate who proves the biggest threat to top seed Durrant, Sky Bet's 6/4 favourite.
The latter will face Darryl Fitton in the second round, after the three-time semi-finalist edged out Justin Thompson 3-2 in the final game of the day.
Fitton dominated the first and third sets, taking both without dropping a leg, but Thompson did likewise in sets two and four to ensure a decider.
Both players stepped up a gear in the fifth set, holding throw twice apiece for 2-2 before Fitton again moved within a leg of the match thanks to a timely maximum followed by double 10.
At last, the 16th seed offered a reminder as to just what he can do as he hit a maximum 170 finish to break throw and finally see off the challenge of his opponent.
Dean Reynolds overcame a late fightback from fellow Welshman Chris Harris to win 3-1 but will have to score better if he's to trouble two-time champion Scott Waites in the second round.
Also on Monday there were preliminary wins for Michael Unterbuchner, who beat David Cameron 3-2, and Daniel Day, the Romford debutant who saw off Craig Caldwell 3-0.
Andy Baetens was made to work hard by Scott Baker in a 3-2 victory which will see him take on Scott Mitchell next.
Monday January 8
Afternoon Session (1pm)
First/Preliminary Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Channel 4
- David Cameron 2-3 Michael Unterbuchner (P)
- Craig Caldwell 0-3 Daniel Day (P)
- Richie Edwards 0-3 Danny Noppert
Evening Session (7pm)
First/Preliminary Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: BT Sport
- (13) Andy Baetens 3-2 Scott Baker
- (7) Trina Gulliver 2-1 Vicky Pruim (Best of 3 sets)
- (12) Dean Reynolds 3-1 Chris Harris
- (16) Darryl Fitton 3-2 Justin Thompson