Tony Brown, seeded No 5, perhaps not on his best form this season, could be struggling in his first-round match against the North American Open Champion, John Kramer from the USA.
The second match this evening features the 'man on form', Jocky Wilson - the present Bullseye - and British Professional Champion and Scottish No 1. His first-round opponent is Scottish captain Rab Smith, who, on form, is capable of causing an upset.
Peter Purves introduces highlights of both contests from Jollees Club, Stoke-on-Trent, together with the results of:
Gordon Allpress (New Zealand) v Ceri Morgan (Wales)
Alan Evans (Wales) v Robert Sinnaeve (Canada)
The BBC Book of World Darts, £1.25 from booksellers