DORCHESTER ace Ben Ward was undone in the first round of the UK Open major at Butlins Minehead today.

The 26-year-old, an avid Magpies’ fan, was eventually beaten 5-1 by Mark Cox and denied the chance to lock horns with flamboyant South African Devon Peterson in round two.

Earlier in the day, the county town man impressed against Norwich thrower Jason Lovett in the best-of-nine leg preliminary round.

First up on the main stage, in front of live TV cameras, Ward fired in a maximum with the throw during the opening leg and finished on double-four to draw first blood.

And after missing chances to extend his advantage against the throw when leading 2-1, the Dorchester darter fizzed in a ton-plus finish in the fifth to make it 3-2 and from there, he never looked back.

Throughout his two contests, the county town ace threw two 180s and five scores of 140 or more.

The competition itself, known as ‘the FA Cup of Darts’, stages a field of 115 professionals alongside 32 amateur competitors this year, and is being defended by current champion and two-time world champion Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis.