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WINDLE-based darter Stephen Bunting came back from a set down to see off reigning champion Robert Thornton in the opening round of the Unibet World Grand Prix in Dublin.

Bunting now plays Belgium's Kim Huybrechts - who stared defeat in the face as he came from a set down to defeat Ian White - in Tuesday's second round, as he aims to push towards a first PDC major title.

"Coming into this tournament it was such a difficult game," said Bunting, a semi-finalist two years ago.

"Robert's not been playing his best lately but he saves his best for here so it's good to get over the line.

"In the last couple of months my form has been coming back, my scoring's back and I'm hitting my doubles and I can look forward to the next game.

"I've got to raise my game but I'll keep doing what I do and hopefully it's good enough on the day."

World Champion Gary Anderson was at his composed best as he averaged almost 97 in a fine performance to sweep past Jamie Caven in straight sets, dropping only one leg in the process.

The Scot opened with seven doubles from 11 attempts and also finished 112 and 124 as he moved into the last 16, where he meets Australian ace Kyle Anderson on Tuesday.

"It would be nice to win this event - especially with my reputation on doubles, but the class of players is so high now that you've got to take each game as it comes," said Anderson.

"I take my hat off to Kyle because he's left his family in Australia and come to the UK to play darts and that shows the kind of head he's got on his shoulders.

"He wants to make a living and be a name in darts, so it's going to be a tough one but I'm looking forward to it.

"I've not played much darts in the past few weeks but I'm happy with the way the darts are going now."

Australian thrower Anderson celebrated his World Grand Prix debut with a narrow 2-1 win over Cristo Reyes, claiming victory in the deciding leg of the final set as a 171 score set up tops.

Two-time World Grand Prix winner Wade exited at the first round stage as he lost in the deciding leg of his three-set contest with Terry Jenkins in a repeat of the 2007 final.

"It's pleasing to win because I've been playing so well lately but not scraping the win," said Jenkins. "James is a tough player to beat, especially on double-in, but I kept the pressure on him and it worked.

"Maybe this is a turning point so hopefully I can carry this on. When I get on that board I feel so good but I know I've got a tough game next."

Jenkins' second round opponent will be emerging Dutchman Benito van de Pas, who dropped only two legs as he defeated Gerwyn Price in straight sets.

2010 finalist Adrian Lewis impressed with a 2-1 win over Jelle Klaasen as he moved through to a meeting with another former World Grand Prix runner-up, Raymond van Barneveld.

"It was a great game for both of us and to get the result, when Jelle was playing well, is a big thing for me," said Lewis. "My starting doubles were really good and my darts were going nicely - I can't ask for any more than that."

Van Barneveld hit finishes of 164 and 130 as he defeated 2012 runner-up Mervyn King in straight sets.

"The double start is an extra handicap so it's tough but it's nice to win in Ireland again because it's been a couple of years," he said. "I'm looking forward to playing Adrian - everyone's beatable and hopefully I'm playing well.

"I've finished well in the last couple of weeks. If I keep Adrian under pressure maybe I can go all the way. I'm not there yet but the confidence is coming back."

The first round concludes on Monday night live on Sky Sports, with the eight matches including world number one Michael van Gerwen's meeting with Steve Beaton and 11-time champion Phil Taylor up against Dublin debutant Steve West.

Ireland's Mick McGowan meets another debutant, James Wilson, while world number five Peter Wright faces Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan and number eight seed Michael Smith plays Alan Norris.

The event's other Northern Irish qualifier, Daryl Gurney, plays Austrian Mensur Suljovic, 2013 finalist Dave Chisnall takes on Robbie Green and Joe Cullen plays Simon Whitlock, Saturday's Players Championship winner.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ie or call the Citywest Hotel Box Office on 00353 (0)1 401 0505.

2016 Unibet World Grand Prix

Sunday October 2

Kyle Anderson 2-1 Cristo Reyes.

Ian White 1-2 Kim Huybrechts.

James Wade (6) 1-2 Terry Jenkins.

Gerwyn Price 0-2 Benito van de Pas.

Adrian Lewis (3) 2-1 Jelle Klaasen.

Robert Thornton (7) 1-2 Stephen Bunting.

Gary Anderson (2) 2-0 Jamie Caven.

Mervyn King 0-2 Raymond van Barneveld.

Monday October 3 (7pm).

Dave Chisnall v Robbie Green.

Mick McGowan v James Wilson.

Mensur Suljovic v Daryl Gurney.

Michael Smith (8) v Alan Norris.

Joe Cullen v Simon Whitlock.

Phil Taylor (4) v Steve West.

Michael van Gerwen (1) v Steve Beaton.

Peter Wright (5) v Brendan Dolan.