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Former World Youth Champion James Hubbard won two matches on Friday afternoon to move into the third round of the UK Open in Minehead, as Antonio Alcinas also progressed.

Hubbard won a last leg decider against Jeff Batham to move into round two, where he triumphed 5-3 against Steve Hine to set up a clash with World Champion Michael van Gerwen this evening.

Spain’s Alcinas defeated Glenn Spearing 5-2 in the first round before following it up with a 5-3 win against Matthew Edgar, earning a place in round three, where he faces Christian Kist.

Arron Monk produced a commanding first round performance to see off Kevin Taylor 5-1, only to be defeated 5-4 by Karl Merchant after missing match darts.

There was also disappointment for youngster Chris Aubrey after he lost out to Lionel Sams in the first round, while Scotland’s John Henderson was eliminated in round two.

Keegan Brown almost made a name for himself on the main stage. The 21-year-old trailed Mensur Suljovic 4-0 but produced a superb surge, hitting five 180s and consecutive finishes of 81, 70 and 146 only to see his opponent take out 110 for a 5-3 victory.

The third round will be played out on Friday evening with van Gerwen, James Wade, Simon Whitlock, Robert Thornton, Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson and Vincent van der Voort all in action.

By Chris Murphy

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