Andy Whittaker (Meersbrook) and Darren Hennessy (Elland C&BC) were the first qualifiers in this year’s COORS Pudsey CLASSIC.

Whittaker defeated Paul Leah (Ashton-under-Lyme) 21-19, Robert Hitchen (Lower Hopton) 21-18 and Darren Smith (Stretton Anglesey) 21-11, while Hennessy beat Clay Flattley (Castlefields) 21-13, Nigel Cranston (Crossgates) 21-16 and Chris Hill 21-20, Hill almost making it a Meersbrook double.

The action continues on Saturday, with Mally Fowler (Littlemoor) and Bob Jeffrey (Greengates) among those competing.

Draw: Rob O’Shea (Chester) v Danny Beeby (Longwood), Scott Fisher (Morton House) v Chris Kelly (Thongsbridge), Mally Fowler (Littlemoor) v John Hambleton (Stockport), Chris Ward (Staffordshire) v Dave McGourty (Whitkirk), Ryan Clark (Thongsbridge) v Craig Gant (Meltham BC), John Bennett (Stockport) v Richard Lawrence (Rawdon), Dave Fisher (Morton House) v Gary Ellis (Whitefield), Bob Jeffrey (Greengates) v Mel Hobson (Sheffield).

Kieron Smith (Crossgates) and Graeme Wilson (Audenshaw) were the first qualifiers in the BRIGHOUSE CLASSIC, sponsored by Naylor Wintersgill (Chartered Accountants).

Smith beat Failsworth’s Lee Lawton 21-17 and Wilson left Matt Gilmore (Wirral) on 12 in the final qualifying games.

The action continues on Friday, with Robert Hitchen (Halifax) and Pudsey duo Thomas and James Hanson all taking part.

Draw (6.30pm start): John Bennett (Stockport) v Kevin Nicholas (Wrexham), Lyndon Carr (Preston) v Kevin Nixon (Doncaster), Robert Hitchen (Halifax) v Bill Burlinson (Culcheth), Thomas Hanson (Pudsey) v Tony Roberts (Wrexham), Brian Lawton (Culcheth) v Andy Farmer (Dearne), John Hambleton (Stockport) v Peter Clark (Crossroads), Andy Ferris (Stoke) v James Hanson (Pudsey), Amanda Nicholas (Wrexham) v David Watters (Preston).