Blackpool's Ronnie Baxter and Norwich's Darren Webster were both successful in their first round matches at the William Hill World Championship at Alexandra Palace. 

 

World number 24 Baxter defeated Darryl Gurney. Baxter played some of the best darts he has played this year in beating the Irishman 3-1. The game was never really in doubt as Baxter consistently outscored his younger rival. Ronnie will now look forward to coming back on the 27th and playing Premier League star Robert Thornton. 

 

Darren Webster had a really impressive victory when he defeated World number 5 Simon Whitlock 3-1. Webster, who had yet to get beyond the first round in any TV tournament thus far played brilliantly.  The Norwich Darts Star has been threatening to pull off a major shock for some time and Simon unfortunately got caught up in the inevitable maelstrom as Darren played some of his best darts of the year. Darren’s confidence will now be sky high as he goes back to the East coast and enjoys his Christmas at home before coming back to London to play his second round match against last year's 9 dart hero Dean Winstanley on the 28th.

 

Both players are in winnable games. Baxter in his pomp is always a difficult proposition to play against and he has spoken in some depth about how he feels his game has been coming back together. Likewise Webster has been playing out of his skin on the pro tour all year and with a stunning TV victory under his belt Dean Winstanley could be in for a tough fight.