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James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld all won through to the second round of the World Matchplay after an entertaining opening round in Blackpool.

Wade, who won the Blackpool tournament in 2007, defeated John Part 10-8, while Whitlock saw off Jelle Klaasen by the same scoreline and ‘Barney’ beat Mensur Suljovic 10-4 on Saturday.

van Gerwen joined them in the last 16 when he defeated Colin Lloyd on Sunday.

For full match reports click the links below.

JAMES WADE 10-8 John Part

SIMON WHITLOCK 10-8 Jelle Klaasen

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 10-7 Colin Lloyd

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 10-4 Mensur Suljovic

The 20th staging of the World Matchplay gets underway at Blackpool’s Winter Garden’s on Saturday evening, with James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld all in opening night action.

Wade returns to the seaside town having reached the final of the prestigious tournament five times in seven visits, including 2007 when he won his first major title.

Now a seven-time major winner, ‘The Machine’ begins his quest for further Matchplay success against John Part in round one.

“I know what John can do and he knows what I can do,” said Wade, the world number four.

“If we both do it then it should be a great game on Saturday and that is the only one I am thinking about right now.

“I have done well here so far and I think that is because I feel very comfortable. The venue is fantastic and so are the crowd. It is my favourite tournament.”

Whitlock takes on Dutchman Jelle Klaasen on Saturday night in round one.

The Australian reached the final of the European Championships in Germany a fortnight ago and is determined to take his good form to Blackpool.

“I have been playing very well recently,” said ‘The Wizard’, a former World Matchplay semi-finalist.

“It will be a tough game on Saturday but if I can play like I have been in the last few weeks then I’m confident of coming through it.”

van Barneveld takes on Austrian Mensur Suljovic.

Mark Webster is in action on the first of two sessions on Sunday, when he meets Justin Pipe in the afternoon.

Paul Nicholson takes on Dave Chisnall in the evening session, before world number two Michael van Gerwen plays Colin Lloyd.

Monday evening sees the conclusion of the first round matches as Robert Thornton faces Ian White.

By Chris Murphy

Andy Jenkins and James Hubbard will compete in the PDC’s seventh European Tour Event of the year after winning through qualifiers in Barnsley on Friday evening.

The pair will take part in September’s German Darts Masters after a successful night’s work in South Yorkshire.

Former World Championship semi-finalist Jenkins qualified for a European Tour event for the first time in 2013 with two fine performances, dropping just one leg in victories over Sam Hill (6-0) and Jim Walker (6-1).

“I played well tonight and I’m over the moon to have qualified,” said Jenkins.

“I’m looking forward to getting out to Germany and I’ll be working hard to put a run together. The European Tour is very important. It has a massive impact on rankings.

“I’m still enjoying my darts and I know I can still beat the best. So it’s onwards and upwards for me from now on.”

2012 World Youth Champion Hubbard also produced some encouraging performances, defeating Chris Aubrey 6-3 before edging out Prakash Jiwa in a last leg decider.

The Norfolk ace then sealed his spot in Sindelfingen with a 6-1 victory against Ricky Sudale.

“I’m happy with how I played,” said the 20-year-old.

“It was probably the best I have played in a long time. If I’m honest, I’ve had a bad year so far so it is pleasing to come into a little bit of form. Hopefully, qualifying for this can be the start of a better second half of the year.”

By Chris Murphy