Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years with a sensational first round display in the Ladbrokes World Championship on Sunday evening.

The five-time World Champion hit eight 180s in a 3-0 defeat of Michael Smith, in which he posted an incredible 108.31 average, his highest ever at the Alexandra Palace.

READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT AT BARNEY’S OFFICIAL UK WEBSITE

Monday evening sees last year’s semi-finalist James Wade begin his campaign to add the World Championship to his impressive collection of major titles.

‘The Machine”, who has won seven PDC premier events to date, takes on Peter Hudson.

2011 semi-finalist Mark Webster is also in action against Ian White, while Arron Monk faces Peter Wright.

By Chris Murphy

Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

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Robert Thornton and Paul Nicholson will face each other in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Championship after the pair claimed comfortable victories on Friday evening.

Both triumphed 3-0 in their first round matches at the Alexandra Palace, with Thornton defeating Magnus Caris before Nicholson saw off Co Stompe.

‘The Thorn’ opened the £1 million tournament in style, producing finishes of 130 and 150 twice to conquer Caris with a 99 average.

“It’s not easy to open the biggest tournament in the World,” said the Scotsman, who won the UK Open in June.

“There is more pressure to play well but I’m happy with how it went. I had a few loose darts but I’m pleased to go through.

“It could be anyone’s title this year. In fact, the last three years I’ve gone out to the winner so I’ll have to win it myself!”

Nicholson delivered an assured performance to progress, hitting a 106 in his victory over Stompe.

The Australian will meet Thornton on Friday December 21.

‘The Asset’ said: “I am relieved to be through and that was a big win for me.

“It is the fruit of the hard work I have been putting in but I am going to have to raise my game to beat Robert.

“He has looked increasingly good this year and deserves all the success he is getting.

“I have to go and work even harder now and hope that it pays off next Friday.”

Saturday sees PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard make his debut at the Ally Pally when he takes on Richie Burnett in the afternoon session.

By Chris Murphy

Match reports:

Thornton 3-0 Caris

Nicholson 3-0 Stompe

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC

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