The Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel opened with a thrilling evening session, as Dirk van Duijvenbode defied an inspired host-nation qualifier to silence the boos from the home crowd. The Dutchman was one of several big names in action, with eight places in the second round up for grabs from 18:00 UK time.
Michael Smith and Raymond van Barneveld headline the opening evening, with the two former world champions joining Dave Chisnall, Damon Heta and Van Duijvenbode in action. Swiss trio Stefan Bellmont, Bruno Stoeckli and Alexander Fehlmann were also bidding to give the home crowd something to celebrate.
Van Duijvenbode's match was a Euro Tour thriller, as he faced a determined qualifier from the host nation. The crowd in Basel were firmly behind their local hero, but Van Duijvenbode kept his composure to advance, silencing the boos in the process.
The Swiss Darts Trophy continues with more second-round action, as the remaining players look to join those who progressed on the opening night. With a strong field assembled in Basel, the tournament promises plenty of drama.