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JOE CULLEN & SIMON WHITLOCK moved into the second round of the BetVictor World Matchplay after a sensational start to the £500,000 tournament in Blackpool.

Bradford’s Cullen secured his first ever win on the Winter Garden’s stage with a 10-3 success over Gerwyn Price, while Whitlock eased past Richard North 10-2.

There was disappointment for tournament favourite Michael Van Gerwen, however, as the world number one was beaten by Jeffrey De Zwaan.

Keegan Brown lost out to Dave Chisnall, while Jonny Clayton suffered a debut defeat to Michael Smith.

There was heartache for Steve West, who missed eleven match darts before losing to Daryl Gurney.

John Henderson also missed a dart to win his thrilling match against Kim Huybrechts but was beaten 13-12.