Kevin Painter and Richie Howson among those to advance at World Seniors Darts Championships

Former world champion comes through Tony O'Shea epic.
Kevin Painter is through to the second round of the World Seniors Darts Championship after he came through an epic against Tony O'Shea.
Painter took a commanding early lead only to see O'Shea recover from 2-0 down and force a decider.
It was 'The Artist' who came out on top, though, eventually winning the final set 6-4 to set up a clash with Wayne Warren.
RESULT šÆ
ā WorldSeniorsDarts (@SeniorsDarts) February 3, 2022
Kevin Painter wins the final set 6-4 to beat Tony O'Shea in round 1 of the @jenningsbetinfo World Seniors Darts Championship
The Artist avoids the sudden death leg by breaking Silverback at the last possible chance to win the match! #WSDC2022 #WorldSeniorsDarts pic.twitter.com/37rh716LWK
Elsewhere at the inaugural edition of the tournament, qualifier Richie Howson delighted the home crowd in Purfleet by getting the better of Darryl Fitton.
Howson lives just two miles away from the Circus Tavern, so he was not short of support as he faced off for a spot in the second round.
He had to recover from a 2-1 deficit to do it, though, but 'The Owl' was up to the task and he will now face Martin 'Wolfie' Adams in the second round.
RESULT šÆ
ā WorldSeniorsDarts (@SeniorsDarts) February 3, 2022
Richie Howson defeats Darryl Fitton 3-2 to end the opening day of the @jenningsbetinfo World Seniors Darts Championship.
The Owl was a huge crowd favourite tonight as he lives locally. He'll hope for the same support as he takes on Martin Adams tomorrow #WSDC2022 pic.twitter.com/M1oMvPSv5N
In the other matches one night one, Robert Thornton beat Bob Anderson 3-0, while Peter Manley overcame Deta Hedman 3-1.
The tournament is open to former PDC and BDO players who are over the age of 50, although current PDC Tour card holders such as Peter Wright and Gary Anderson are ineligible.
Phil Taylor is taking part, though, with the 16-time former world champion entering the competition in the second round.