PDC World Darts Championship 2017: Thursday Scores, Results and Updated Schedule
Reigning champion Gary Anderson had an easy first night at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Thursday, beating Mark Frost 3-0 in the first round.
Anderson's bid to collect a third world title in a row started in perfect fashion, as Frosty the Throw Man had nothing to offer in terms of competition.
In the day's other matches, former runner-up Kevin Painter scraped through against seeded Jamie Caven, winning their protracted battle 3-1.
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Jamie Lewis edged out Dublin-born Mick McGowan, prevailing 3-2 in a tense affair.
The final match saw a classic between Michael Smith and Ricky Evans. It was Smith who crossed the line in a rapid contest, winning the close encounter 3-2.
Here's a look at the opening-night results:
| Kevin Painter | 3-1 | Jamie Caven (29) |
| Jamie Lewis (30) | 3-2 | Mick McGowan |
| Gary Anderson (2) | 3-0 | Mark Frost |
| Michael Smith (11) | 3-2 | Ricky Evans |
The Mirror's Joe Mewis provided a full schedule for the opening rounds:
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Jerry Hendriks v Warren Parry (P) |
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Gerwyn Price (19) v Jonny Clayton |
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Steve Beaton (27) v Devon Petersen |
| Friday, Dec. 16 | Peter Wright (3) v Hendriks/Parry |
Thursday Recap
Anderson took just 11 legs to destroy Frost, easing to success without climbing out of second gear.
The Flying Scotsman appeared stiff in the opening exchanges, but a pattern emerged, as Frosty the Throw Man was out of his depth.
Anderson sprinted to win the first two sets, with Frost nowhere near the world standard needed to compete with one of the favourites for the title.
The champion hit five maximums on his way to the next round, and he was cool and calm on the doubles.
The Scot broke through a milestone as he skipped to the win, per 3 Dart Analyst (via PDC Darts):
Painter struggled to find his artistry in the first round, but Caven was out of form and capitulated to the veteran star.
Jabba could not string together the combinations, but Painter was also struggling as the averages remained low and humble.
Both men repeatedly lost their throws in the opening two sets, but it was the Artist who edged ahead 2-1 in the first-round best-of-five format.
Caven had no wind in his sails as he attempted to save the match, and it was left to Painter to collect the victory.
Here's a look at how poor the averages were, courtesy of 3 Dart Analyst:
In the other first-round matches, Lewis held his nerve against plucky McGowan, finding the doubles with consistency to progress.
The two men shared the opening four sets, both holding their throws throughout, but the Welsh rising star had the stamina to get over the line.
PDC Darts shared 3 Dart Analyst's breakdown of the statistics, with both men finding it difficult to put together huge scores:
Smith stalled in the opening set against the lightning pace of Evans but found his rhythm and form to level the match after the first two sets.
Bully Boy's quality has dipped over the season as he battles to find his best darts, but he overpowered his opponent to make it 1-1.
The third leg was of the highest order as both hit maximums, but it was Evans who edged the exchanges to claim a 2-1 lead.
The averages were the strongest of the night, and it was the best darts of the day in terms of quality. Smith broke back to make it 2-2, taking a rare opportunity presented by his opponent, and the 180 finishes continued to flow deep into the match.
Smith had double one to win the match but blew his chance, However, Evans missed his opportunity to stay in the fight, allowing Bully Boy to finish and win.
The night was not a challenge for the champion in a classic atmosphere at the Ally Pally, and Anderson will be grateful for an easy day at the oche as he defends his crown.
The Scot comes alive at the world event, and he knows how to increase his form as the marathon rounds pass by, pacing himself until the latter stages.
All stats via PDC.tv.
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