Adrian Lewis kicked off his bid to win a third William Hill World Darts Championship title with a straight sets win as Dutch duo Jelle Klaasen and Benito van de Pas and England’s Andrew Gilding also enjoyed wins on the final night of first round action.
Two-time World Champion Lewis completed his victory over Jan Dekker with a brilliant 164 checkout, hitting six 180s and averaging just under 100 as he moved into the last 32.
“I was brilliant in patches and mediocre at times,” said Lewis, who had landed a nine-darter at Alexandra Palace last year and had six perfect darts in one leg against Dekker.
“It’s always hard in the first round but I’ve been putting the work in and I think it showed. I’ll work even harder over the Christmas period. I’m getting there and I’ll be ready for the next round.”
Lewis will take on Gilding in the second round after the 2015 UK Open semi-finalist defeated Wales’ Gerwyn Price in three sets in their opener.
Gilding opened the tie with a sensational 132 finish before going on to win each set in four legs.
“It was good start and I’m very happy with the win in the end,” said Gilding, who enjoyed his first victory on the Alexandra Palace stage.
“I think I got a pretty bad draw in Gerwyn. I thought I’d have to average nearer to 100 to beat him but I’ll take that. I’m through to the first round and that’s what is important.”
Klaasen became the only player to record a three-figure average in the pre-Christmas preliminary and first rounds as he dismantled Joe Cullen in three sets.
The former Lakeside Champion averaged 102.54 in a brilliant triumph, hitting five 180s in the process of setting up a tie with Mervyn King in round two.
“I’m happy with my performance,” said Klaasen, who has won two Players Championship events during 2015.
“You have to play like that against players like Joe. You can’t afford to give them chances. He played well but fortunately I put in a good performance and that’s a great start for me.”
Van de Pas tasted victory in the first round for the second year running as he defeated new World Youth Champion Max Hopp in four sets to move through and face Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” said the Dutch youngster, whose win included a 108 checkout.
“I felt good but I need to keep my form and hit my doubles better. I’ll be staying here over Christmas and practising ready for the next game.”
The action resumes with three second round matches on Boxing Day, including defending champion Gary Anderson’s clash with Daryl Gurney.
Dave Chisnall takes on Christian Kist and Ricky Evans meets Jamie Caven, with play kicking off at 6pm following the Christmas break.
William Hill World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 23
Andrew Gilding 3-0 Gerwyn Price
Benito van de Pas 3-1 Max Hopp
Adrian Lewis 3-0 Jan Dekker
Jelle Klaasen 3-0 Joe Cullen
FIXTURES – POST-CHRISTMAS
SECOND ROUND
Saturday December 26 (6pm-10pm)
Ricky Evans v Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall v Christian Kist
Gary Anderson v Daryl Gurney
Sunday December 27
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Michael Smith v Steve Beaton
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Benito van de Pas
Vincent van der Voort v Kyle Anderson
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Raymond van Barneveld v Stephen Bunting
James Wade v Wes Newton
Michael van Gerwen v Darren Webster
Monday December 28
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Alan Norris v Joe Murnan
Terry Jenkins v Mark Webster
David Pallett v Mensur Suljovic
Evening Session (7.30pm-11.30pm)
Adrian Lewis v Andrew Gilding
Peter Wright v Ronny Huybrechts
Phil Taylor v Kevin Painter
Tuesday December 29
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Mervyn King v Jelle Klaasen