YORK pair Chris Thompson and Martyn Turner should both be favoured to reach the third round of this year’s UK Open, writes Dave Flett.

World number 58 Thompson, a quarter finalist in 2008, has been drawn against Taunton-based Justin Pipe, who lies 19 positions below him in the PDC Order of Merit.

It is not the easiest draw for Acomb-based Thompson, however, with second round opponent Pipe just two places behind the “Hitman” in the UK Open Order of Merit, based on results from this season’s regional qualifiers.

Turner, ranked 83rd in the world, will enter the Sky-televised, Reebok Stadium contest at the first round stage when he will face Riley’s club qualifier Nicky Bache.

The winner of that tie will then meet either world number 220 Matt Draper or BDO county qualifier Mark Harris to compete for a place in the third round when the likes of big hitters Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade come into the competition, which is known as the “FA Cup of Darts” due to the unseeded draws.

Fellow Minsterman John Quantock, ranked 129 in the world, will fancy his chances against world number 192 Matt Padgett in his first-round tie.

But Quantock could then face Jason Clark, ranked 86, should the Shepherd’s Bush player negotiate his way past qualifiers Kevin Lowe and Ryan Murray.

All three York players will be in action when the four-day competition starts next Thursday, June 3.