WAYNE JONES 5-2 BRENDAN DOLAN

WAYNE JONES enjoyed a confidence-boosting victory on the opening night of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic with a 5-2 triumph over Brendan Dolan.

The local hero, who lost to Dolan in the opening round of last month's World Grand Prix in Dublin, will now take on Nigel Heydon on Sunday evening in his second game in Group C following a revenge win over the Northern Irishman.

"I'm delighted to get the win tonight even if I didn't play my best game," said Jones. "The fans here love their darts and I really wanted to make a positive start.

"To win this title in my home town would be amazing. But the objective over the next few days is to try and get through the group stage."

Dolan, making his first appearance at the Grand Slam after qualifying by reaching the World Grand Prix final, won the opening leg of the match with an excellent 100 finish courtesy of two double tops.

Jones, who enjoyed a superb run to the semi-finals at last year's event, held throw by hitting double eight to win the second leg before kicking-off the next with back-to-back maximums.

That left Jones with the opportunity of completing a nine-dart finish, but his attempt at a seventh treble 20 fell below the target - although the leg was won in 12 darts as he took the lead for the first time and secured a break of throw.

Jones continued that excellent form to leave 40 after just 12 darts thrown in the fourth leg, but missed six darts at doubles to extend his advantage. However, Dolan missed two chances at double top and Jones hit double two to take a 3-1 lead.

Dolan won the fifth leg to keep in touch by landing double 11, but Jones won the sixth leg in confident fashion with a 14-dart finish.

Jones held the advantage of throw in the next leg but Dolan produced the better scoring and was first to a finish, only to miss a dart at double top to save the match as Jones stepped in to hit double ten and claim victory.