Darts: Priestley doubles up Wilson

DENNIS PRIESTLEY, the world No 1, beat Jocky Wilson in three straight sets in the first round of the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship at Frimley Green last night.

Priestley, the 42-year-old Yorkshireman who won the title at his first attempt in 1991, allowed Wilson - champion in 1982 and 1989 - only two legs in a one-sided contest.

Wilson, playing in spectacles in this event for the first time, did not play badly, averaging 32.03 per dart but could not match Priestley, recently named England captain, who not only averaged 34.21 but slotted nine doubles in 17 attempts.

Priestley, who won in 32 minutes, said: 'I was a bit apprehensive because you don't meet players of Jocky's calibre in the first round very often. He played well but I hit the doubles when I needed them and that's the name of the game.

'Last year it was different for I was defending the title and I thought I had Great Britain, Africa and Vietnam and a lot more on my shoulders.'

Eric Bristow, the five times former champion but only a wild card this year, came from behind to beat Per Skau of Denmark by three sets to one. Skau began brilliantly, taking the first set in three straight legs which he won in 15, 12 and 13 darts. But an unruffled Bristow won the next three sets, winning the final leg of the match with a 107 check-out.

EMBASSY WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (Frimley Green, Surrey) First round: S Beaton (Eng) bt D Richardson-Page (Eng) 3-1; D Priestley (Eng) bt J Wilson (Sco)

3-0; E Bristow (Eng) bt P Skau (Den) 3-1.