Two-time winner Scott Waites began his quest for a third British Darts Organisation World Championship title with victory ©Getty Images

Two-time winner Scott Waites began his quest for a third British Darts Organisation World Championship title with victory in the first round today.

The Englishman, the 2013 and 2016 winner, registered an average of 86.55 as he defeated Belgium's Jeffrey Van Egdom in four sets.

His 3-1 win sets up a second-round clash for the ninth seed with Dutch eighth seed Richard Veenstra at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green in England.

Veenstra knocked out England's Nigel Heydon in his first round clash today, but needed all five sets to win 3-2.

Deta Hedman was knocked out in the first round of the women's event ©Getty Images
Deta Hedman was knocked out in the first round of the women's event ©Getty Images

World Masters champion Adam Smith-Neale of England lost 3-0 to New Zealand's Mark McGrath in what on paper would seem a shock result.

Smith-Neale, however, was remarkably playing with crutches as he has a broken leg.

In women's action, third seed Deta Hedman was knocked out in round one as she chased an elusive first title.

The 59-year-old has been the runner-up on three occasions and lost an all-English affair 2-0 to Maria O'Brien.

England's Fallon Sherrock beat Australian Corrine Hammond 2-0 in a battle between two former runners-up.

Milton Keynes player Sherrock dropped just one leg.