IT’S DOUBLE OR NOTHING FOR WAITES

SCOTT WAITES promised to be sharper on the doubles as he took the first step in his bid for a third crown at the BDO Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships.

Waites, the champion in 2013 and 2016, was always in control as he beat Belgium’s Jeffrey van Egdom 3-1, hitting eight 180s, including one with his very first throw.

“I felt my scoring was great, I could not complain about that,” he said. “But those things on the outside of the board? I did not know what they were. I really struggled.

“I will have to sort them out for the next game.

“My darts are going alright, I have no qualms about that, but I need to sort my doubles out. If I sort those out, I will be in with a chance.”

Waites (above) won the opening set 3-0 but Van Egdom immediately levelled before the double champion won the next two sets 3-1, taking the match on double four.

“This is what you prepare all year for,” said Waites. “This is what you want to win. I want a third world title – without a doubt.”

Poland’s Krzysztof Kciuk (left) beat fellow debutant Brian Lokken 3-1, a win which included a checkout of 160.

Former women’s world No.1 Deta Hedman (left) was another surprise first-round loser.

After second seed Lisa Ashton’s defeat on Saturday, threetime finalist and third seed Hedman, 59, lost 2-0 to Maria O’brien (left) at Frimley Green in Surrey.

O’brien failed to settle in the opening leg of the match but showed tremendous spirit to work her way back to winning the set 3-1.

Hedman ran her doubles partner all the way in the second set of the match, but ultimately didn’t do enough to continue her quest for a first BDO World Championship title.

Despite her straightforward victory, O’brien knows she will have to improve if she is to progress any further in the competition.

“I went on stage thinking I was going to win. It didn’t matter to me if it was a 2-0 or a 2-1,” she said.