Jamie Harvey sent him crashing out of last year’s tournament, and he also lost in the opening round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Manley looked in good form at the World Grand Prix in Dublin nine weeks ago, but England's Martin Adams was simply too hot to handle on the day and secured a 2-1 first-round win.

However, the former world number one insists he has not played poorly in any of the three defeats and made another positive start today.

Manley won the opening set by three legs to one and quickly raced into a two-set lead by winning the second 3-0.

Brown offered some resistance by edging the third set with an impressive 115 checkout, but Manley clinched the next to move within one of victory.

Cumbria-based Manley scored heavily in the fifth set to take the first two legs.

Brown fought back to take the third but a 46 finish earned Manley a second-round spot.

Manley said: ‘‘I enjoyed the game, basically to win anything you had to hit it. I was just glad to get some practise on the stage.

‘‘My confidence has never faltered throughout and I’m going to enjoy this week I think I’m going to be here all week.

‘‘I don’t care what other players do and who I play, they have got to beat me. They can leave double 20 after 12 darts and if I’ve got the 170, I’m confident I’ll take it.’’