Stylish Prince signals intentions

Burnett is hoping to add to the world title he won in 1995

Master dartsman Richie Burnett fired a warning shot to his rivals after cruising into the second round of the PDC World Championships.

The former world champion, making his debut in this tournament, brushed aside the challenge of American Steve Jones with a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash.

Burnett, nicknamed 'The Prince of Wales', averaged a brilliant 103 with three darts and finished off the match in style with two 12-dart finishes.

Ace in the pack: Alex Roy kept his cool to go through

Afterwards, the 33-year-old from Rhondda said: "I like it here. It's nice.

"If you play in the world championship and you are not prepared, there's no point in you going.

The talk before the tournament at Purfleet in Surrey got under way was all about who could possibly stop eight-times champion Phil Taylor.

Confidence

Now Burnett has emerged as a possible contender who believes he has as good a chance as the next man of lifting the trophy.

"I'm prepared for it this week," he explained. "It's a tough draw but I'm going to give it a bash.

"I'm full of confidence and if I get my head right I should be okay - It's all about mental preparation for me."

The Welshman suggested he could get better as the tournament progressed, commenting: "That will do for now" when asked about his average.

Burnett was joined in the second round by 'The Ace of Herts' Alex Roy, who kept his nerve to see off Durham's Steve Raw.

Roy eventually ran out a 3-2 winner after Raw had clawed his way back from 2-0 down to set up a decider.