PAUL Nicholson will face Robert Thornton in the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship after cruising past Dutchman Co Stompe in his opening game at Alexandra Palace.

Nicholson, who has spent most of his life living in Newcastle despite being born in Australia, trounced Stompe 3-0 on the opening weekend of action.

'The Asset' lost just two legs as he set up a second-round game with Thornton, who also progressed from the first round without dropping a set.

Nicholson said: “I took out some good finishes on double 16 and took the chances that Co gave me. I stuck to my task and after getting myself a lead, I took advantage of that and sprinted away.

“It's a good feeling to get the first round out of the way, but I know that I will have to play a lot better if I am going to beat Robert Thornton. He's had a superb year and I was delighted for him when he won the UK Open.”

The winner of Nicholson's second-round tie with Thornton will meet Phil Taylor in the third round provided the 15-time world champion sees off the challenge of Dutch debutant Jerry Hendriks on Friday.

Taylor outclassed Northern Irishman Michael Mansell 3-0 in the first round on Saturday night and has his sights set on the renamed Sid Waddell Trophy despite failing to hit top form in his opening appearance.

Taylor said: “It wasn't the most convincing performance I've ever had and it was a struggle. I could see Michael was struggling and I played the player.

“I'll need to improve in the next round, but I was practising really well and I'm really pleased to have won 3-0, so I can go and prepare for the next round.”

Reigning champion Adrian Lewis was another player to progress without impressing, averaging just 83.14 as he beat the unfancied Gino Vos 3-1.

Lewis said: “I'm very disappointed with my performance and let my nerves get the better of me. I've probably never felt as nervous going into a game and at times I was probably trying too hard.”

The North-East's other representative, Teessider Colin Osbourne, takes to the stage for his first-round match on Tuesday night. Osbourne faces the winner of the preliminary round match between Lourence Ilagan and Jamie Lewis.