WALES showed their title credentials when easing to victory on the opening night of the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, winners in 2020, produced a dominant display against Philippines duo Lourence Ilagan and RJ Escaros.

The second seeds produced the performance of the night at the Eissporthalle, averaging just over 99 to set up an intriguing last 16 showdown against 2021 finalists Austria.

Price and Clayton appeared poised to run riot following a blistering start, with Clayton following up a maximum from his fellow countryman by cleaning up 84 in two darts for an 11-dart opener.

Ilagan and Escaros fought back to level at two apiece for the Philippines, but finishes of 106 and 108 from Price, sandwiched between a 13-darter, saw them run out convincing 5-2 winners.

"I've been doubting myself recently, so it was a big confidence boost," admitted 2021 world champion Price.

"We have a great bond," Clayton added. "As long as we play our game, I think we've got a fantastic chance of getting our title back."

Price and Clayton now lock horns with last year's runners-up, Mensur Suljovic and Rowby-John Rodriguez, after the Austrian duo defied a spirited fightback from Finland's Marko Kantele and Aki Paavilainen to progress.