relative performances. “I’m very happy with that,” said Wright. “Kim’s been in great form and it was always going to be a tough game. “Getting that first break was so important and I knew I had to break him when I did because the game could have gone all the way.” Brendan Dolan doesn’t have the best record in Blackpool, but he put things right in his opening round encounter with former World Champion Steve
Fleetwood based thrower 10-8. Newton got in front early on and despite a fightback from Caven he led 8-7. Caven however was full of confidence following his recent Pro Tour double and he secured the last three legs to book his spot in the second round. “I’m overwhelmed,” said Caven. “Wes was in control early on and I knew I had to dig in when it wasn’t going my way.” “As soon as I got it back to eight-all, I knew I had to
Beaton. The man from Northern Ireland trailed 5-2 early on, but a great fightback saw him clinch the tie 10-8. “It was a very tough game and it was nip-and-tuck all the way,” said Dolan. “Neither of us got into our flow or the way we wanted to play and it was a battle, so it’s nice to come through and win when you’re not at your best.” “To win like that against an experienced former World Champion like Steve Beaton can only do my confidence the world of good. There was nothing between us and I’m glad to get through it.” “Last year I came here and got beaten by Andy Hamilton in the first round, but every player comes here to win it. It’s the 32 players who are the best at the minute, but I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself and I know I’ve got a chance of winning this.” World Number seven Wes Newton fell at the first hurdle as an in form Jamie Caven produced a fine display to edge out the
step in if Wes missed and I did that. It was such a battle and I’m so happy that I managed to get across that winning line first.” Local hero Ronnie Baxter has traditionally had a good record in Blackpool, but this year it was not to be for ‘The Rocket’ as he fell at the first hurdle. In truth his match with Andy Hamilton was a demolition job. The Stoke based player rattled off the first eight legs to set up a potential whitewash, and although Baxter did secure the ninth leg it was only delaying the inevitable as Hamilton moved on to secure a 10-1 victory in the most one sided match of the round. “It makes a change for me to win a game by a formidable score and it’s probably the first time I’ve wanted to whitewash another player!” admitted Hamilton. “I was so focused, I concentrated on my own game and it worked out for me, so it’s superb. I’ve shown what I can do today and I know I can get through to this final, so I’m looking