Paul Nicholson edges out Robert Thornton at World Matchplay

Paul Nicholson has moved through to the second round of the World Matchplay after he recorded a 10-8 victory over Robert Thornton.

The 35-year-old has endured a disappointing first half of the year, but after falling behind midway through the contest, he finished strongly to get the better of the seventh seed.

An 107 checkout moved Nicholson one away from the win, and after Thornton had missed two darts to take the match into a tie-break, the Australian thrower returned to hit double eight.

Earlier in the afternoon, Dave Chisnall produced a clinical display to defeat Dean Winstanley by a 10-4 scoreline, while Richie Burnett beat Brendan Dolan by the same margin.

The session concluded with Andy Hamilton dominating his clash with Wayne Jones before running out a 10-3 winner.