MICHAEL VAN GERWEN soared into the BetVictor World Matchplay quarter-finals with a thrilling 13-3 win over Peter Wright, as Adrian Lewis, Andy Hamilton and Dave Chisnall joined him in the last eight in Blackpool.

PHIL TAYLOR'S bid to win a 14th BetVictor World Matchplay title continued with a dramatic 14-12 second round win over Terry Jenkins, as he was joined in the quarter-finals by Justin Pipe, Simon Whitlock and James Wade.

LOCAL HEROES Wes Newton and Ronnie Baxter suffered BetVictor World Matchplay heartbreak with defeats to Jamie Caven and Andy Hamilton, as Adrian Lewis swept into the second round at the Winter Gardens.

PICTURES from the first round of the BetVictor World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

A ROUND-UP from Sunday's double session of first round action at the BetVictor World Matchplay in Blackpool.

BIG GUNS James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock and Terry Jenkins all enjoyed victories on the opening night of the BetVictor World Matchplay.

PHIL TAYLOR has been installed as the new 5/2 favourite for the BetVictor World Matchplay, which kicks off on Saturday evening in Blackpool.

AN additional PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour weekend has been confirmed for September 7 & 8 in Reading.

JAMES WADE aims to gun down John Part as he begins his challenge to reach a sixth BetVictor World Matchplay final in eight years.