The first round matches are always nervous times for everyone, so you're unlikely to see real consistency from any of the players yet.

But these are only five-set matches and when the games go to nine sets the true champions of the game shine through.

The first round is really like a final for the players because the tension is so great and you know you have to win.

I thought Mervyn King's win against Chris Mason was the best match so far.

There was a time when he shaved his head and had a darts tattoo on the back of his scalp, but his attitude has changed and he's a very dedicated player.

He still gets upset by the crowd sometimes, so if he's not getting the shots and they give him any grief, his head goes down.

Maturity needed

Chris Mason was a bit of a sore loser though, and he said some things about Kingy that he probably should not have said.

He had chances to win and he didn't take them, while Kingy did, and if Chris was really that good, he would have won.

He has to take his defeats on the chin and if he wants to get a seeding, he needs to get out there and win an Open.

Once that comes, he'll be alright because he'll be able to afford to go out and try for another one.

He has to take his chances, both in life and on the board.

I thought Marko Pusa played really well to beat Colin Monk, but he still needs more experience.

He goes for some odd combinations, like treble 17 when he's on 101, which is dangerous because if you end up hitting a two, which leaves 99, that's bad news.

He's got no-one here with him which makes it hard for him and he doesn't speak good English, but then again I don't speak good Finnish.

Looking ahead

Of the players through so far, John Walton really caught my eye.

He used to play a lot of pairs and always seemed to mess up on the doubles, but he's got round that now he's hitting them at will.

He's a lovely guy, too, and I hope he does well. He's not frightened of anyone which will help him along here.

Of the second round ties that have been set up so far, Co Stompe's match with Wayne Mardle will be a cracker.

They are both very good and very, very fast, so don't go to the loo or boil the kettle because you'll miss it!

I'm also going for Martin Adams to beat Ronnie Baxter.

Martin has always scored well without getting the results he deserves so I think it's his time.

He regularly averages over 30, so he has to come through one day.