Clarke advances in World Darts Championship

Jason Clarke overcame a bout of nerves to advance with ease at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship in Purfleet.

Clarke was always in control of his first-round match with Japan’s Yasuhiko Matsunaga and quickly closed out a straight-sets 3-0 victory.

Canada’s Gerry Convery is eyeing a third-round date with world number four and compatriot John Part.

He beat China’s Tang Jun in straight sets and will face talented young Briton, Wesley Newton, in today’s second round.

Canada’s John Verwey beat Anthony Forde, of Barbados, in a close-fought encounter.

Verwey took the first set before Forde inched into a 2-1 lead, only to see the experienced Canadian reach the second round with fourth and fifth-set victories.