O’Connor produced one of the best displays of this year’s first round in the opening match of Friday’s second session, averaging 102.36 in a 3-0 win over Poland’s Krzysztof Kciuk, and he will play three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in round two.
In the afternoon session, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock began his campaign with a 3-1 first-round triumph over England’s Gemma Hayter.
The 24-year-old is the 11th seed at this year’s event but runs to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, World Series Finals and UK Open this year, as well as winning the World Cup alongside Gurney, mean he is considered among the favourites for the world title.
Poor finishing from Rock in the third set, in which he hit just one of his 11 attempts at doubles, led to Hayter pulling a set back after she had fallen 2-0 behind.
Her level rose as the match progressed and she took the fourth set to a deciding leg, before Rock successfully checked out 81 to seal victory and he will take on Australian Joe Comito in round two.
