Raymond Barneveld has opened his account at the Embassy World Championships with victory over Bobby George in the first round.

The Dutchman's 3-1 win ended George's attempts to become the oldest winner of the championship.

The 57-year-old nearly gained a �50,000 consolation with a coveted nine-dart finish, but missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the third set.

"When I was on for the nine-darter I thought - he's beating you up, just get this," George explained.

"I hit two 180s, went and wiped my face... and with the seventh dart I hit the big five - what a tart!"

"But I'm just so pleased to be here 22 years after I was in the final the first time and I just hope I gave the crowd some entertainment," he added.

George, known as "Mr Glitter" because of his grandiose entrances, started the slower and as a result was on the back foot throughout the match.

Barneveld, the pre-tournament favourite, dominated the first set which he opened with a maximum.

George spurned a golden opportunity to level the match in the second set before finally finding his form in the third set.

Having taken the first two legs, George had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he went for the nine-darter.

But after finding single five with his seventh dart he conspired to throw away the leg, before sealing the set in the deciding fifth leg.

But that was as good as it got for George before Barneveld reasserted his authority and closed out the match.

In the evening's other result eighth seed Wayne Mardle easily beat Davy Richardson 3-0.

Belgium's Erik `The Sheriff' Clarys beat Andree Welge 3-1 in the evening's other match.