James Wade has recorded a 3-0 victory over John Michael to move into the second round of the World Championship.
Wade was facing an in-form opponent in Michael, who had impressed in his preliminary round match against Warrick Scheffer, but the left-hander averaged almost 96 as he dropped just three legs against the Greek representative.
However, sixth seed Robert Thornton is out after he suffered a 3-0 defeat to former Lakeside finalist Alan Norris.
The 43-year-old was making his debut at Alexandra Palace but he showed little in the way of nerves as he hit four maximums on the way to easing past the Grand Prix champion.
Eighth seed Michael Smith secured his place in the last 32 but only after fighting back to win in a last-leg decider against 19-year-old Jeffrey de Zwann.
The Dutchman looked on course to record a shock when going 2-1 ahead, but after Smith levelled the match, he held his nerve in the 11th leg of the last set to finally get the better of his opponent.
Darren Plant
