Lakeside BBC coverage schedule Competition: Win final tickets

"I'm gutted. That's the best I've played for a while but Simon was brilliant considering he had the crowd against him," said 2004 winner Fordham.

There was also a first-round exit for 2001 champion John Walton, who lost 3-0 to fellow Englishman Steve Roberts.

Second seed Martin Adams had no problems, beating Darryl Fitton 3-1.

Fordham was also beaten in round one 12 months ago, losing to Dutchman van der Voort.

But this defeat clearly had a bigger impact on 'The Viking', who struggled to hold back the tears as he left the stage at Frimley Green.

John 'Boy' wasn't playing his game and he knew it Steve Roberts

Whitlock was happy with his win but felt for his beaten opponent.

"I feel really bad in one way. I was a bit lucky - he missed a lot of doubles and I hit mine," said the Australian.

Cambridgeshire qualifier Roberts booked his place in round two without doing anything spectacular against seventh seed Walton.

"I loved it up there," said the 48-year-old tarmac layer from Wisbech, who came through the qualifying event in Bridlington at his first attempt.

"John 'Boy' wasn't playing his game and he knew it. I thought if I could just keep hitting him I would go through - and I did."

The final two matches of the second day resulted in victories for Scotland, with Glasgow tiler Paul Hanvidge ousting 'The Matchstick', Co Stompe, 3-1.

Then Mike Veitch, who became the first player to wear a kilt on stage since 1997 champion Les Wallace, progressed by the same scoreline at the expense of Finnish qualifier Ulf Ceder.