Preliminary Round SCOTT MACKENZIE 4-2 PAUL BARHAM

SCOTT MACKENZIE progressed to the first round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a fine 4-2 win against Basildon's debutant left-hander Paul Barham.

MacKenzie, who was edged out in a deciding leg against Jyhan Artut at the same stage of last year's competition, will now face Wayne Jones in the first round later in the evening.

Barham, who has made a big impression on the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour in 2011, started the game well on his televised debut by holding throw comfortably to establish an early lead.

MacKenzie took out 100 to win the second leg before Barham regained the lead after both players missed opportunities at doubles.

Greater China Qualifier MacKenzie, making second successive World Championship appearance, hit double six to level the match at two-all and then recorded a 15-darter to secure the first break of throw in the game.

That put the Hong Kong player one leg away from victory, and that was duly completed as he hit double top at the first time of asking.