Mold learns UK Open fate

Thetford’s Jason ‘Shrek’ Mold has been drawn against Sweden’s Magnus Caris in the opening round of the UK Open.

Mold, who booked his place at the event by winning the Rileys Amateur Qualifier in Norwich last month, was defeated 9-0 in the last 64 by Wes Newton 12 months ago.

This time around he will get his campaign underway against 47-year-old Caris, with the winner set to face either Ben Green or Jason Hogg in the second round.

If Mold is able to successfully negotiate his way through those encounters, the third round is when the likes of world number one Michael van Gerwen and 14-time PDC World Championship winner Phil Taylor enter the competition.

The tournament, which will be played at the Butlins resort in Minehead, is due to get underway on Friday, March 4.