Glen Durrant lost the first set, but proved too strong for Nick Kenny in the end as he won 3-1 ©Getty Images

Top seed Glen Durrant progressed to the second round of the British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship following a 3-1 win over Nick Kenny today.

The English player looked to be in a difficult position when his Welsh opponent took the first set of the tournament’s opening match at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green.

However, Durrant, who had checked out with 167 in the opening leg of the clash, picked up the pace and rounded out the next three sets.

On his way to victory, the 46-year-old currently ranked number one in the world did not score any other check outs over 100, but held off his opponent despite Kenny hitting twice as many 180s, ending the match with six.

Durrant countered this though by getting more triple figure scores in total, with 35 compared to Kenny’s 31.

In today’s other matches, 10th seed Darryl Fitton of England had an easier time on his way into the next round as he beat Dutch player Wouter Vaes 3-0.

The last of today’s first round matches in the men’s draw saw three-time runner-up Tony O’Shea knocked out, with the English thrower beaten 3-0 by 12th seed Jim Williams of Wales.

There were also three preliminary round matches played on the stage with last year’s beaten finalist, Jeff Smith, involved.

Canada's Jeff Smith, last year's runner-up, made it past the preliminary round at the tournament ©Getty Images
Canada's Jeff Smith, last year's runner-up, made it past the preliminary round at the tournament ©Getty Images

The Canadian, who lost 7-1 to England’s Scott Waites 12 months ago, progressed into the main competition by defeating Seigo Asada of Japan 3-1 and will now face England’s Brian Dawson on Monday (January 9).

After this clash, arguably the most entertaining match of the night came when New Zealand’s Mark McGrath came from two sets down to knock out Roger Janssen o Belgium to progress.

His reward for the thrilling victory is tie with 2015 champion Scott Mitchell of England tomorrow.

During the afternoon session, England’s Ryan Joyce cruised into the first round by winning 3-0 against Sweden’s Dennis Nilsson.

Joyce will now play three-time winner of the competition Martin Adams in tomorrow’s opening match.

Defending women’s champion Trina Gulliver avoided an upset as her quest for an 11th world crown began with a 2-0 win over fellow Englishwoman Claire Brookin.

She will meet The Netherland’s Aileen de Graaf, the women’s third seed, after she also made it through to the quarter fnals with a 2-0 victory over Rachel Brooks of England.

Both finals at the tournament are due to take place on January 15.