PHIL TAYLOR began the defence of his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship title with a strong display to see off qualifier David Platt.
Taylor, looking to win an unprecedented 13th World Championship, dropped just one leg in progressing to the last 32.
He will now have an eight-day wait before his second round clash, with either Matt Clark or Canadian Ken Woods.
Taylor's practice partner and protege, Adrian Lewis, also progressed safely into round two on the opening day of the £500,000 tournament at Purfleet's Circus Tavern.
Lewis overcame Dave Honey in straight sets on his World Championship debut while another Midlander, Wayne Jones, crept past James Wade in a deciding set.
Canadian John Part ended Chinese hopes with a 3-0 win over Liu Cheng'An, with Wes Newton repeating that scoreline against Japan's Yasuhiko Matsunaga.
Welsh qualifier Steve Alker overcame Alan Caves 3-1, while local favourite Steve Maish was ousted by Jason Clark.
The biggest upset of the opening day saw Dutchman Jan van der Rassel defeat former World Champion Steve Beaton 3-0.
Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship - Day One
First Round Results
Steve Alker 3-1 Alan Caves - Report
Jason Clark 3-2 Steve Maish - Report
Adrian Lewis 3-0 Dave Honey - Report - Audio Interview
Wes Newton 3-0 Yasuhiko Matsunaga - Report - Audio Interview
John Part 3-0 Liu Cheng'An - Report
Jan van der Rassel 3-0 Steve Beaton - Report
Phil Taylor 3-0 David Platt - Report - Audio Interview
Wayne Jones 3-2 James Wade - Report