DARREN WEBSTER produced a huge upset at the William Hill World Darts Championship as he dumped out former finalist Simon Whitlock with a 3-1 win in the first round, while Kyle Anderson knocked out Steve Beaton and Gary Anderson survived stubborn qualifier Scott Kirchner on Saturday night.
On generally a good day for Australia, it was their biggest name who became the highest-profile casualty of the tournament so far as Whitlock, the seventh seed for the event, could not live with Webster’s superb finishing power as he landed four ton-plus checkouts.
Norwich man Webster averaged 94.24 and hit 11 of 23 doubles, which was the big difference as Whitlock could only manage four doubles from 24 attempts as he suffered a first round exit for the first time in seven PDC World Championship appearances.
Webster’s finishing power was evident from the start as he rattled in a 118 checkout in the opening leg of the match, landing treble 20, single 18 and double top to get off the mark.
That was followed by a "Shanghai" 120 finish in the next, and although he just missed out on a 104 checkout in the third leg he returned to finish off the set with his next visit.
Whitlock recovered to win a tight second set in a deciding leg after both men missed set darts, with the Australian initially failing to hit tops for a 76 but finally hitting double five.
A 180 helped Whitlock to win the first leg of the third set, but Webster hit back in the next, taking out 136 thanks to two treble 20s and a double eight.
Whitlock started with a 180 in the leg three, but Webster answered later on to leave himself a 101 outshot that he again finished to move ahead, and with a double eight in the fourth leg he was back in front.
It was all Webster in the fourth set, hitting a 14-darter to kick off, a 180 to help win the second leg and completing the upset win with 70 finished on tops, to set up a second round clash with either Dean Winstanley or Wayne Jones.
"I've been working on my doubles the last couple of weeks because they've been letting me down a bit, but I was just concentrating on taking my time and letting them go, as I can throw that final dart too quick sometimes," said Webster, who had missed match darts against James Wade 12 months ago.
"I'm so happy to have won one on TV, finally! I've been throwing well and averaging 100-plus on the floor all year but up there on the big stage maybe it gets a bit tight in the arm and it's just not happened for me, so I'm so relieved to have finally won one up there.
"I'm only just getting started now, I was a bit nervous up there to start off with but now I can relax into the tournament and who knows what can happen now?"
Kyle Anderson exacted revenge on Steve Beaton with a 3-0 scoreline to progress into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time - avenging his defeat by the same margin to the former Lakeside Champion on his debut in the 2013 event.
The Australian hit the headlines on the first Saturday of last year’s event by hitting a nine-darter against Ian White, but he still suffered defeat for the second successive year.
Two years ago Anderson was knocked out on his Alexandra Palace debut after a 3-0 loss to Beaton, but this time the tables were turned as Anderson hit three 180s.
The first set was pretty even, with Beaton edging ahead 2-1 but a 15-darter and a 67 finish levelling for Anderson, who then clinched the vital leg after both men had missed darts to win the set.
Anderson came storming out of the traps in the second set, hitting 180s in three consecutive legs, the first setting up a 68 finish to grab a break of the Beaton throw.
The second 180 led to a 14-darter, but Beaton managed to cling on by hitting 36 on a double nine in leg three, although it only delayed matters as Anderson hit double four at the third time of asking to win the set 3-1.
The third set proved a one-sided affair as Anderson claimed all three legs, landing tops, double 16 for a 70 finish and double five as he sealed his place in round two against Andy Hamilton.
“It feels brilliant, two years of hard work has paid off," said Anderson. "I didn’t play as well as I can, but to play well enough to get through is brilliant, it’s great being in round two.
“Maybe I thought a bit too much about 2012 when I played Steve last time. I was a bit nervous at the start, but after the first set I managed to settle down."
On his second round clash with Hamilton, Anderson added: “I’ll just prepare the same as this game, you’ve got to prepare to go out and play against any player, whether it’s Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen or anyone like that. Andy’s a big name and it’ll be tough but I’ll be prepared.”
Terry Jenkins hit the ground running in his bid to win the William Hill World Darts Championship title as he averaged 98.73 and hit five 180s in his 3-1 victory over Australian left hander John Weber.
Jenkins started off brilliantly with a 12-dart leg which included a 140 and a 180 and culminated in a 121 finish to give him a storming start to the match.
Weber responded but Jenkins could not be stopped, hitting a second 180 in the third leg before taking out 80 at the first attempt, followed by a third 180 as he clinched the set with a 107 average.
The Australian hit back though as Jenkins dropped off in his doubling, but he hit another 180 to set up a 36 finish before grabbing a fifth of the match only to see Weber pinch the leg with a brilliant 128 checkout.
A 180 for a fired-up Weber gave him the second set to level the match, but that would only force Jenkins to respond again and push on, as he claimed the next six legs without reply.
The third set came quickly and clinically despite not being of the greatest quality, but in the fourth set he upped his game as he kicked it off with two 140s and a 170 in setting up a 15-darter.
Two more 140s led to a 13-darter, and he finished the game off with a 14-darter capped by an 80 checkout to book a tie with another Australian, Laurence Ryder, after Christmas.
"I played really well, there was only that second set - actually just one leg in that set - that just set me back a bit," said Jenkins. "Otherwise I played nicely, I was hitting a lot of 140s up there and playing consistently it was just the odd double here and there i need to tighten up on.
"I didn't really know what to expect from the match, I hadn't played him before."
Former finalist Gary Anderson overcame an awkward challenge from preliminary round winner Scott Kirchner to grab a 3-1 victory and book a second round clash with Jelle Klaasen at Alexandra Palace.
Kirchner made short work of his preliminary round game against New Zealand's Mark McGrath with a whitewash win, and he took that form into his first round game with Anderson, who seemed to struggle with the American's pace of play and landed just nine of 38 attempts.
The averages were almost identical at just over 86, and Anderson hit three 180s and 15 140s but those missed doubles almost cost him dear as Kirchner saw an opportunity to win set three for a 2-1 lead go astray.
The Scot did manage to take the opening set, which went the distance after Kirchner took out 92 in two darts when Anderson failed to make the most of hitting a 180 and 140 to start the fourth leg.
Anderson rallied to produce a 14-dart leg in the decider, capped off with a double ten, and he could breathe a little easier after a testing start to his World Championship campaign.
A 180 from Kirchner started the second set, which he turned into a 14-dart leg, and he followed that up by bagging the second as well courtesy of double top for a 13-dart finish.
Anderson was sat on tops in the next to stay in the set, but Kirchner took out 66 to deny him the chance and level the match at a set apiece.
Anderson took the first two legs of set three, on double ten and tops, to regain his tough on the doubles, but a 180 from Kirchner in the next forced more missed doubles as the American landed double seven to hit back.
Anderson hit the 180 in the next, but was again punished for missed set darts as Kirchner levelled, before the DARTSLIVE Superdarts champion gave himself a dart for the set in the decider - just missing double 11 for a 124 finish to allow the number four set to post double five to regain the advantage.
A 69 finish put Kirchner ahead in the fourth set, but he missed a double 16 for the next leg, which Anderson took when he went all the way down to double one. That let-off proved to be enough for Anderson, who followed up with a 72 finish to take the third leg.
With the finish line in sight, Anderson then completed a hard-fought victory by hitting double 18 in the fourth leg to book his place against Jelle Klaasen in the second round after Christmas.
"It was a struggle and I couldn't get my pace right, so I was just glad to get over the finish line to be honest," admitted Anderson. "I couldn't get into a rhythm and Scott played well - he hit the big scores and I think there were a few legs where he missed doubles, and he could have taken the lead.
"The first round is always the hardest, but playing Jelle will suit me because he plays quicker . I know Jelle's game back-to-front and it will be a good pace."
In the afternoon session, Australian-based Laurence Ryder produced a huge upset at Alexandra Palace by dumping out 17th seed Justin Pipe 3-2 with a flying finish to his first round match at the William Hill World Darts Championship, as Robert Thornton and Ronnie Baxter set up a tasty second round tie at Alexandra Palace.
British-born Ryder, who swapped Derby for Perth in Western Australia 13 years ago, came from 2-1 down thanks to a flying finish that saw him win six straight legs to stun Pipe and set up a second round encounter against Terry Jenkins or John Weber.
Pipe missed ten doubles from 11 attempts in a scrappy first set, which Ryder took without reply with a fine 101 finish on double top in the third leg.
Taunton thrower Pipe levelled the match by coming from behind to win the second set with three successive legs, landing a 177 and three doubles from six attempts as he regained his range.
Pipe moved up a gear in the third set when taking all three legs as Ryder's level dipped, finishing 58 for the first leg, a fine 116 on double 18 for the second and a two-dart 54 on double 18 to move 2-1 up in the game.
Ryder - the 2014 DPA Australian Grand Prix champion - was unworried though, and started his magical run with tops for a break of throw at the start of the fourth set, before taking out 46 and 32 to level the match.
The fifth set went a similar way, starting with Ryder taking out 60 in two darts, then finishing off 76 after both men had hit 180s to lead 2-0. Ryder then missed tops for the match, but with Pipe unable to check out, the Perth ace hit the target at the third attempt to seal a dream win.
"I didn't really have many nerves, I felt good and was playing well and in the last set it all kind of clicked together," said Ryder, who was the Australian Grand Prix champion in his first full year on the DPA circuit.
"I played too fast when I played in Sydney so playing Justin probably helped me to slow things down a bit. Beating a seeded player like Justin really gives you a big boost so now I really think I can go on and beat anyone."
Ryder will now spend Christmas with family in Derby before returning for his second round game, and admitted: "It's been a whirlwind year for me in my first year on the Australian tour. I always watched the darts over here and it's great now to be back after moving out to Australia.
"Darts is really growing fast in Australia, it's getting big and there are some great darts players about so I think there'll be more players coming over in the next few years."
Robert Thornton sent out a warning shot to the rest of the field with an impressive 3-0 victory over Andrew Gilding, losing just two legs as he set up a second round tie against Ronnie Baxter.
Former UK Open champion Thornton hit two 180s in the first set and used his last dart on all three finishes to take the lead, with Gilding pinching just the one leg in reply.
Double seven capped off another leg as Thornton took the second set's opener, and he hit another maximum in the next as a 14-darter moved him two leg up, and though a 56 outshot kept Gilding in the set, a classy 76 on tops gave the Scot the set and put him in total control.
The third set was the most clinical of all, with Thornton hitting tops for a 13-darter, then pulling out a superb 144 outshot and wrapping up the win with a 14-darter in the next to seal a 97.6 average and a thoroughly professional performance - one of the best of the first round so far.
Baxter, meanwhile, survived a threatening challenge from qualifier Daryl Gurney to grab a 3-1 win and his first televised victory since the 2013 World Grand Prix.
Right from the start Baxter had to fight hard to see off a determined Gurney, who had played superbly to come from 3-0 down and win his preliminary match against Hong Kong's Scott Mackenzie, who missed match darts to complete finishes of 120 and 142 before seeing the Northern Irish ace hit back with four successive legs.
The pair shared eight 180s in the game, while a 105 finish from Gurney saw him break the Baxter throw in the opening set to lead 2-1.
They traded 180s in the fourth leg as Baxter levelled with a 12-darter, before he held his nerve with a 52 finish to edge the set.
The second set was more routine, with another 180 helping Baxter into a 2-0 lead, and although Gurney pulled a leg back the Blackpool ace finished off a 106 checkout to double his lead.
Gurney kicked off the third set with a 12-darter of his own, posting a 180 and an 81 finish.
Baxter levelled and then moved ahead, only to miss the bull for the match in leg four, as Gurney squared the set and then took out a 108 finish to claim the set.
A two-dart kill of 97 put Gurney ahead in set four, but Baxter then took over, levelling on double five and then going ahead with a 54 finish for a 2-1 lead before and sealing the match with a superb 12-darter including a 180 and a 104 finish.
"Daryl played really well so it was all on me to play well, so I was happy to get through," said Baxter . "I feel great, you just take each game as it comes but Robert will be a tough one in the next round.
"I managed to lose my darts this week. I was in a taxi on Thursday and they must have slipped out of my pocket, but luckily I’ve got a spare set and used them. I’ve used my usual ones the last two years and gone out in the first round!"
Ronny Huybrechts booked a second round tie against Peter Wright with a comfortable 3-0 win over Andy Smith.
The Belgian star won all but two legs as missed doubles cost Smith dear, while he was also stung by a wasp in the final set in what was a game to forget at Alexandra Palace.
Smith missed four darts at doubles in the opening set, and two more at the start of the second as Huybrechts won the first six legs on the spin to take charge of the match.
A 15-darter to break in the first set did the damage, while a 17-darter and 48 checkout set Huybrechts up in the second, despite missing eight shots at doubles himself.
Smith almost found a way back as he left himself on tops in the sixth leg of the match, but Huybrechts produced a dagger to the heart with a 101 finish to move two sets up.
Smith finally got on the board by winning the seventh leg with a 75 outshot on tops, and he followed up with four straight scores of 100 and a 41 checkout, but then missed two set darts as Huybrechts hit back.
Smith missed three more set darts in the next leg, which Huybrechts won with a 44 finish, before he was able to see off 87 in six darts to finish the job and set-up a showdown with fifth seed Wright.
"I'm not really happy with my level of play but I'm in the next round so I'm happy," said Huybrechts. "Andy missed a few doubles out there and didn't play at his best so I feel sorry for him a bit.
"I hope I play a little bit better in the next round than in this game - I'll need to against Peter but I'm looking forward to playing him. I'll go back now and practice, maybe a bit with Kim, but we'll see. It'll be busy at home for Christmas, I've got a lot of people to feed so it's always busy when I'm doing the dinner for Christmas!"
The first round continues on Sunday with another exciting double session of action at Alexandra Palace.
Former Players Championship Finals winners Paul Nicholson and Kevin Painter are in action in the afternoon session, with former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster taking on Ron Meulenkamp and Dean Winstanley facing Wayne Jones.
Number six seed James Wade, a three-time World Championship semi-finalist, takes on Jamie Lewis in the evening session, while world number eight Dave Chisnall takes on Ryan De Vreede, with Kim Huybrechts and Ian White also in action.
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WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Preliminary & First Rounds
Saturday December 20
Afternoon Session (12.30pm)
Andy Smith (28) 0-3 Ronny Huybrechts
Scott Mackenzie 3-4 Daryl Gurney (P)
Justin Pipe (17) 2-3 Laurence Ryder
Robert Thornton (9) 3-0 Andrew Gilding
Ronnie Baxter (24) 3-1 Scott Mackenzie/Daryl Gurney
Evening Session
Steve Beaton (21) 0-3 Kyle Anderson
Mark McGrath 0-4 Scott Kirchner (P)
Terry Jenkins (16) 3-1 John Weber
Simon Whitlock (7) 1-3 Darren Webster
Gary Anderson (4) 3-1 Scott Kirchner
MATCH INFORMATON
AFTERNOON SESSION
ANDY SMITH 0-3 RONNY HUYBRECHTS
(0-3, 0-3, 2-3)
RONNY HUYBRECHTS booked a second round tie against Peter Wright with a comfortable 3-0 win over Andy Smith at the William Hill World Darts Championship.
The Belgian star won all but two legs as missed doubles cost Smith dear, while he was also stung by a wasp in the final set in what was a game to forget at Alexandra Palace.
Smith missed four darts at doubles in the opening set, and two more at the start of the second as Huybrechts won the first six legs on the spin to take charge of the match.
A 15-darter to break in the first set did the damage, while a 17-darter and 48 checkout set Huybrechts up in the second, despite missing eight shots at doubles himself.
Smith almost found a way back as he left himself on tops in the sixth leg of the match, but Huybrechts produced a dagger to the heart with a 101 finish to move two sets up.
Smith finally got on the board by winning the seventh leg with a 75 outshot on tops, and he followed up with four straight scores of 100 and a 41 checkout, but then missed two set darts as Huybrechts hit back.
Smith missed three more set darts in the next leg, which Huybrechts won with a 44 finish, before he was able to see off 87 in six darts to finish the job and set-up a showdown with fifth seed Wright.
"I'm not really happy with my level of play but I'm in the next round so I'm happy," said Huybrechts. "Andy missed a few doubles out there and didn't play at his best so I feel sorry for him a bit.
"I hope I play a little bit better in the next round than in this game, I'll need to against Peter but I'm looking forward to playing him.
"I'll go back now and practice, maybe a bit with Kim, but we'll see. It'll be busy at home for Christmas, I've got a lot of people to feed so it's always busy when I'm doing the dinner for Christmas!"
Match Information
First Set 0-3 - Not the best start from Smith, who allows Huybrechts to take the first leg in 19 darts. Both men hit 140s in the second leg but after a missed double by Smith Huybrechts breaks in 15 darts. Smith then misses three more shots at double in the third leg and Huybrechts takes advantage.
Second Set 0-3 - More misery for Smith at the start of the leg as he misses two more doubles and Huybrechts swoops in with a 48 checkout to go ahead. Huybrechts doubles up in the next with Smith well back, and even when Smith leaves himself on tops, Huybrechts checks out 101 to take the set.
Third Set 2-3 - Smith finally gets a leg on the board when he takes out 75 on tops, and he instantly gets a second with four straight tons followed by a 42 finish. After two missed darts for the set, Huybrechts gets one back, and Smith misses three more in the next as Huybrechts makes it 2-2. After just missing the Bull for the match, Huybrechts takes out double 8 at the second attempt to go through.
Match Stats
| Andy Smith | 0-3 | Ronny Huybrechts |
| 16 | 100+ | 13 |
| 9 | 140+ | 9 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 2 | 180 | 1 |
| 86.66 | Average | 87.75 |
| 75 | High Finish | 101 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 2/14 - 14% | Checkout % | 9/22 - 41% |
SCOTT MACKENZIE 3-4 DARYL GURNEY (P)
DARYL GURNEY produced the highest average in a preliminary round match at the William Hill World Darts Championship, and also one of the best comebacks, as he came from 3-0 down to defeat Scott Mackenzie 4-3.
Gurney hit a three-dart average of 96.11 and three 180s to stun Mackenzie, who himself averaged 93.76 as the pair played out a an entertaining battle to face Ronnie Baxter later on Satirday afternoon.
Mackenzie managed to power into a three-leg lead as Gurney missed a host of doubles early on, although the Hong Kong ace took out finishes of 14 and 12 darts during the run.
Mackenzie, though, missed tops for a 120 finish to take victory before Gurney came roaring back and levelled matters with legs of 15, 15 and 13 darts to setting up a thrilling final leg.
Mackenzie came agonisingly close to taking out a whopping 142 on double 11, leaving Gurney to mop up 45 and celebrate his progression to a tie against Baxter.
Match Stats
| Scott Mackenzie | 3-4 | Daryl Gurney |
| 10 | 100+ | 6 |
| 6 | 140+ | 6 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 3 |
| 93.76 | Average | 96.11 |
| 81 | High Finish | 59 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 3/7 - 43% | Checkout % | 4/14 - 29% |
JUSTIN PIPE 2-3 LAURENCE RYDER
(1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 0-3, 0-3)
AUSTRALIAN-BASED Laurence Ryder produced a huge upset at Alexandra Palace by dumping out 17th seed Justin Pipe 3-2 with a flying finish to his first round match at the WIlliam Hill World Darts Championship.
British-born Ryder, who swapped Derby for Perth in Western Australia 13 years ago, came from 2-1 down thanks to a flying finish that saw him win six straight legs to stun Pipe and set up a second round encounter against Terry Jenkins or John Weber.
Pipe missed ten doubles from 11 attempts in a scrappy first set, which Ryder took without reply with a fine 101 finish on double top in the third leg.
Taunton thrower Pipe levelled the match by coming from behind to win the second set with three successive legs, landing a 177 and three doubles from six attempts as he regained his range.
Pipe moved up a gear in the third set when taking all three legs as Ryder's level dipped, finishing 58 for the first leg, a fine 116 on double 18 for the second and a two-dart 54 on double 18 to move 2-1 up in the game.
Ryder - the 2014 DPA Australian Grand Prix champion - was unworried though, and started his magical run with tops for a break of throw at the start of the fourth set, before taking out 46 and 32 to level the match.
The fifth set went a similar way, starting with Ryder taking out 60 in two darts, then finishing off 76 after both men had hit 180s to lead 2-0. Ryder then missed tops for the match, but with Pipe unable to check out, the Perth ace hit the target at the third attempt to seal a dream win.
"I didn't really have many nerves, I felt good and was playing well and in the last set it all kind of clicked together," said Ryder, who was the Australian Grand Prix No 1 in his first year on the tour.
"I played too fast when I played in Sydney so playing Justin probably helped me to slow things down a bit.
"It's been a whirlwind year for me in my first year on the Australian Tour as I managed to finish top of the Tour over there. I always watched the darts over here and it's great now to be back over here playing after moving out to Australia.
"Darts is really growing fast in Australia, it's getting big and there are some great darts players about so I think there'll be more players coming over in the next few years.
"Beating a seeded player like Justin really gives you a big boost so now I really think I can go on and beat anyone."
Match Information
First Set 1-3 - The two swap the opening two legs, but Ryder takes the lead with a brilliant 101 outshot finishing on tops. Pipe misses more doubles in the next, taking his tally to ten missed doubles in the set, as Ryder hits D10 to take it.
Second Set 3-1 - Pipe hits a 177 in a 16-darter which is good enough to put him 2-1 in the lead, and after Ryder fluffs his lines Pipe takes out 25 in the fourth to take the set and level the match.
Third Set 3-0 - Much better from Pipe, who wins every leg thanks to some vastly improved finishing, certainly better than we've seen from him so far. He takes out 58 to start, followed by a 116, his highest of the match, and closing with single 18 and double 18 for a 54 checkout.
Fourth Set 0-3 - Ryder hits back in kind with three straight legs, starting off with a break of throw to start the set. Taking out 46 doubles his lead and a double 16 clinches the set to send us the full distance.
Fifth Set 0-3 - Brilliant from Ryder as he makes it six legs on the spin to secure the shock win. A 60 outshot in the first puts him ahead, and 76 wins the second leg after both men started with 180s. Ryder missed three darts at double top for the match before hitting with his fourth.
Match Stats
| Justin Pipe | 2-3 | Laurence Ryder |
| 22 | 100+ | 23 |
| 8 | 140+ | 13 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 2 |
| 86.28 | Average | 83.59 |
| 116 | High Finish | 101 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 7/24 - 29% | Checkout % | 10/27 - 37% |
ROBERT THORNTON 3-0 ANDREW GILDING
(3-1, 3-1, 3-0)
ROBERT THORNTON sent out a warning shot to the rest of the field with an impressive 3-0 victory over Andrew Gilding in the first round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The Scottish ace wasted little time in disposing what looked like a dangerous opponent in Gilding, losing just two legs as he set up a second round tie against Ronnie Baxter.Former UK Open champion Thornton hit two 180s in the first set and used his last dart on all three finishes to take the lead, with Gilding pinching just the one leg in reply.
Double seven capped off another leg as Thornton took the second set's opener, and he hit another maximum in the next as a 14-darter moved him two leg up, and though a 56 outshot kept Gilding in the set, a classy 76 on tops gave the Scot the set and put him in total control.
The third set was the most clinical of all, with Thornton hitting tops for a 13-darter, then pulling out a superb 144 outshot and wrapping up the win with a 14-darter in the next to seal a 97.6 average and a thoroughly professional performance - one of the best of the first round so far.
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Solid start from Thornton who opens up with double 16 to take the first leg. Gilding levels but then Thornton takes the next two with his last dart each time, keeping his nerve under pressure. Both men hit 180s in the third leg.
Second Set 3-1 - More classy darts from Thornton who hits two more 180s to take his tally to four in the match so far. He hits tops twice, the second time for 76 and the leg, after Gilding had picked off 56 on tops to stay in the set.
Third Set 3-0 - Routine and ruthless performance from Thornton who finishes with a 97.6 average as he takes the final three legs, including a brilliant 144 finish in the second.
Match Stats
| Robert Thornton | 3-0 | Andrew Gilding |
| 13 | 100+ | 18 |
| 11 | 140+ | 8 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 1 |
| 97.65 | Average | 92.00 |
| 144 | High Finish | 56 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 9/18 - 50% | Checkout % | 2/10 - 20% |
RONNIE BAXTER 3-1 DARYL GURNEY
(3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-1)
RONNIE BAXTER survived a threatening challenge from qualifier Daryl Gurney to grab a 3-1 win and his first televised victory since the 2013 World Grand Prix.
Right from the start Baxter had to fight hard to see off a determined Gurney, who had played superbly to come from 3-0 down and win his preliminary match against Hong Kong's Scott Mackenzie, who missed match darts to complete finishes of 120 and 142 before seeing the Northern Irish ace hit back with four successive legs.
The pair shared eight 180s in the game, while a 105 finish from Gurney saw him break the Baxter throw in the opening set to lead 2-1.
They traded 180s in the fourth leg as Baxter levelled with a 12-darter, before he held his nerve with a 52 finish to edge the set.
The second set was more routine, with another 180 helping Baxter into a 2-0 lead, and although Gurney pulled a leg back the Blackpool ace finished off a 106 checkout to double his lead.
Gurney kicked off the third set with a 12-darter of his own, posting a 180 and an 81 finish.
Baxter levelled and then moved ahead, only to miss the bull for the match in leg four, as Gurney squared the set and then took out a 108 finish to claim the set.
A two-dart kill of 97 put Gurney ahead in set four, but Baxter then took over, levelling on double five and then going ahead with a 54 finish for a 2-1 lead before and sealing the match with a superb 12-darter including a 180 and a 104 finish.
"Daryl played really well so it was all on me to play well, so I was happy to get through," said Baxter . "I feel great, you just take each game as it comes but Robert will be a tough one in the next round.
"I managed to lose my darts this week. I was in a taxi on Thursday and they must have slipped out of my pocket, but luckily I’ve got a spare set and used them. I’ve used my usual ones the last two years and gone out in the first round!"
Match Information
First Set 3-2 - Tough first set and Gurney still looking confident after his earlier win, as he shows with a 105 outshot to go 2-1 up with a break of throw. Baxter responds though with two legs to take the set.
Second Set 3-1 - More comfortable for Baxter after taking the opening two legs of the set. Gurney hits back but a 106 finish gives Baxter the second set.
Third Set 2-3 - Gurney hits back after starting with a 180and 81 finish in the first leg. Baxter won the next two but missed the Bull for the match, allowing Gurney to swoop in and level.
Fourth Set 3-1 - Gurney takes out 97 in two darts to kick things off, but Baxter levels and then takes out 54 for a break in the next. Baxter then pulled out a 12-darter just at the right time with a 180 and 104 finish.
Match Stats
| Ronnie Baxter | 3-1 | Daryl Gurney |
| 19 | 100+ | 21 |
| 9 | 140+ | 9 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 4 |
| 94.64 | Average | 88.78 |
| 106 | High Finish | 108 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 11/23 - 48% | Checkout % | 7/12 - 41% |
EVENING SESSION
STEVE BEATON 0-3 KYLE ANDERSON
(2-3, 1-3, 0-3)
Kyle Anderson exacted revenge on Steve Beaton with a 3-0 scoreline to progress into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time - avenging his defeat by the same margin to the former Lakeside Champion on his debut in the 2013 event.
The Australian hit the headlines on the first Saturday of last year’s event by hitting a nine-darter against Ian White, but he still suffered defeat for the second successive year.
Two years ago Anderson was knocked out on his Alexandra Palace debut after a 3-0 loss to Beaton, but this time the tables were turned as Anderson hit three 180s.
The first set was pretty even, with Beaton edging ahead 2-1 but a 15-darter and a 67 finish levelling for Anderson, who then clinched the vital leg after both men had missed darts to win the set.
Anderson came storming out of the traps in the second set, hitting 180s in three consecutive legs, the first setting up a 68 finish to grab a break of the Beaton throw.
The second 180 led to a 14-darter, but Beaton managed to cling on by hitting 36 on a double nine in leg three, although it only delayed matters as Anderson hit double four at the third time of asking to win the set 3-1.
The third set proved a one-sided affair as Anderson claimed all three legs, landing tops, double 16 for a 70 finish and double five as he sealed his place in round two against Andy Hamilton.
“It feels brilliant, two years of hard work has paid off," said Anderson. "I didn’t play as well as I can, but to play well enough to get through is brilliant, it’s great being in round two.
“Maybe I thought a bit too much about 2012 when I played Steve last time. I was a bit nervous at the start, but after the first set I managed to settle down."
On his second round clash with Hamilton, Anderson added: “I’ll just prepare the same as this game, you’ve got to prepare to go out and play against any player, whether it’s Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen or anyone like that. Andy’s a big name and it’ll be tough but I’ll be prepared.”
Match Information
First Set 2-3 - Anderson takes first blood as he comes back from 2-1 down to take it 3-2. The Aussie hits a 15-dart leg with a 67 outshot in the fourth leg, and after both men miss set darts in the fifth Anderson returns to hit double five.
Second Set 1-3 - Anderson comes out firing hitting three 180s in the set. The first sets up a 68 finish for a break of throw. The second helps a 14-darter, but Beaton clings on in the set with a double 9 picking up a leg. Anderson misses two set darts, and when he returns needs all three to hit double four.
Third Set 0-3 - Three straight legs all for Anderson and the Australian goes through to round two. A 70 capped a 14 darter in the second leg, and despite missing seven darts for the match he held his nerve to nail double 5 at the third attempt.
Match Stats
| Steve Beaton | 0-3 | Kyle Anderson |
| 16 | 100+ | 18 |
| 6 | 140+ | 6 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 0 | 180 | 3 |
| 82.24 | Average | 85.99 |
| 36 | High Finish | 70 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 3/10 - 30% | Checkout % | 9/27 - 33% |
MARK MCGRATH 0-4 SCOTT KIRCHNER (P)
AMERICAN Scott Kirchner enjoyed a 4-0 whitewash against Mark McGrath to earn a place in the first round proper of the William Hill World Darts Championship against Gary Anderson.
Kirchner had to go all the way down to double one to take a nervy first leg, but he managed to take out 61 in the second to double his advantage.
The best darts of the match came in the third set, with Kirchner bagging a brilliant 124 checkout to move to the brink of the first round.
And he got there at the first time of asking with double 16 doing the trick as McGrath again failed to find any doubles leaving the American to go through.
Match Stats
| Mark McGrath | 0-4 | Scott Kirchner |
| 3 | 100+ | 5 |
| 1 | 140+ | 5 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 0 | 180 | 0 |
| 65.09 | Average | 83.50 |
| - | High Finish | 124 |
| - | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 0/8 - 0% | Checkout % | 4/14 - 29% |
TERRY JENKINS 3-1 JOHN WEBER
(3-1, 1-3, 3-0, 3-0)
TERRY JENKINS hit the ground running in his bid to win the William Hill World Darts Championship as he averaged 98.73 and hit five 180s in his 3-1 victory over Australian left hander John Weber.
Jenkins started off brilliantly with a 12-dart leg which included a 140 and a 180 and culminated in a 121 finish to give him a storming start to the match.
Weber responded but Jenkins could not be stopped, hitting a second 180 in the third leg before taking out 80 at the first attempt, followed by a third 180 as he clinched the set with a 107 average.
The Australian hit back though as Jenkins dropped off in his doubling, but he hit another 180 to set up a 36 finish before grabbing a fifth of the match only to see Weber pinch the leg with a brilliant 128 checkout.
A 180 for a fired-up Weber gave him the second set to level the match, but that would only force Jenkins to respond again and push on, as he claimed the next six legs without reply.
The third set came quickly and clinically despite not being of the greatest quality, but in the fourth set he upped his game as he kicked it off with two 140s and a 170 in setting up a 15-darter.
Two more 140s led to a 13-darter, and he finished the game off with a 14-darter capped by an 80 checkout to book a tie with another Australian, Laurence Ryder, after Christmas.
"I played really well, there was only that second set - actually just one leg in that set - that just set me back a bit," said Jenkins. "Otherwise I played nicely, I was hitting a lot of 140s up there and playing consistently it was just the odd double here and there i need to tighten up on.
"I didn't really know what to expect from the match, I hadn't played him before."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Flying start from Jenkins, who kicks off with a 12-darter including a 140, 180 and a 121 finish. Weber hits a 140 and finishes with tops to level, but a 180 in the third leaves 80 for Jenkins, which he takes out with ease. A third 180 of the set for Jenkins then helps him clinch the set, with a 107 average.
Second Set 1-3 - Weber replies with some great darts, although Jenkins falters a bit on his doubles. A 180 for Jenkins sets up a 38 checkout, but after hs starts with another maximum Weber takes out 128 to spoil his efforts. A 180 of his own helps Weber take the set.
Third Set 3-0 - Quick and clinical from Jenkins as he rattles off three straight legs, including a 13-darter.
Fourth Set 3-0 - Sublime darts from Jenkins, as he goes out in 15, 13 and 14 darts to clinch victory. He hits two 140s and a 170 in setting up the first leg, then two more 140s in a 13-darter.
Match Stats
| Terry Jenkins | 3-1 | John Weber |
| 13 | 100+ | 18 |
| 15 | 140+ | 5 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 1 |
| 98.73 | Average | 79.86 |
| 121 | High Finish | 128 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 10/22 - 45% | Checkout % | 4/8 - 50% |
SIMON WHITLOCK 1-3 DARREN WEBSTER
(0-3, 3-2, 1-3, 0-3)
DARREN WEBSTER produced fine display at the William Hill World Darts Championship as he dumped out former finalist Simon Whitlock with a 3-1 win in the first round at Alexandra Palace.
On generally a good day for Australia, it was their biggest name who became the highest-profile casualty of the tournament so far as Whitlock, the seventh seed for the event, could not live with Webster’s superb finishing power as he landed four ton-plus checkouts.
Norwich man Webster averaged 94.24 and hit 11 of 23 doubles, which was the big difference as Whitlock could only manage four doubles from 24 attempts as he suffered a first round exit for the first time in seven PDC World Championship appearances.
Webster’s finishing power was evident from the start as he rattled in a 118 checkout in the opening leg of the match, landing treble 20, single 18 and double top to get off the mark.
That was followed by a "Shanghai" 120 finish in the next, and although he just missed out on a 104 checkout in the third leg he returned to finish off the set with his next visit.
Whitlock recovered to win a tight second set in a deciding leg after both men missed set darts, with the Australian initially failing to hit tops for a 76 but finally hitting double five.
A 180 helped Whitlock to win the first leg of the third set, but Webster hit back in the next, taking out 136 thanks to two treble 20s and a double eight.
Whitlock started with a 180 in the leg three, but Webster answered later on to leave himself a 101 outshot that he again finished to move ahead, and with a double eight in the fourth leg he was back in front.
It was all Webster in the fourth set, hitting a 14-darter to kick off, a 180 to help win the second leg and completing the upset win with 70 finished on tops, to set up a second round clash with either Dean Winstanley or Wayne Jones.
"I've been working on my doubles the last couple of weeks because they've been letting me down a bit, but I was just concentrating on taking my time and letting them go, as I can throw that final dart too quick sometimes," said Webster, who had missed match darts against James Wade 12 months ago.
"I'm so happy to have won one on TV, finally! I've been throwing well and averaging 100-plus on the floor all year but up there on the big stage maybe it gets a bit tight in the arm and it's just not happened for me, so I'm so relieved to have finally won one up there.
"I'm only just getting started now, I was a bit nervous up there to start off with but now I can relax into the tournament and who knows what can happen now?"
Match Information
First Set 0-3 - Sparkling start from Darren Webster with back-to-back three-figure finishes to start the match, taking out 118 and Shanghai 120 to leave Whitlock reeling. Whitlock messes up throwing for 25, and Webster polishes up for the set.
Second Set 3-2 - Whitlock fighting back in the second set as nerves start to kick in for both men and a flurry of missed doubles. Both men miss doubles in the final leg, but Whitlock hits in the end.
Third Set 1-3 - A 180 helps Whitlock to get off the mark, but a 136 hits back for Webster. Whitlock starts with a 180 but Webster answers it later to set up a 101 finish, which he takes out.
Fourth Set 0-3 - Huge upset complete as Webster takes the fourth set with ease. Again it's good finishing, as he starts with a 14-darter to win the leg despite a Whitlock 180. Webster hits 180 himself before tops gets a second, and he takes out 70 in the third to go through.
Match Stats
| Simon Whitlock | 1-3 | Darren Webster |
| 23 | 100+ | 26 |
| 6 | 140+ | 15 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 2 |
| 87.29 | Average | 94.24 |
| 40 | High Finish | 136 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 4/24 - 17% | Checkout % | 11/23 - 48% |
GARY ANDERSON 3-1 SCOTT KIRCHNER
(3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
FORMER finalist Gary Anderson overcame an awkward challenge from preliminary round winner Scott Kirchner to grab a 3-1 victory and book a second round clash with Jelle Klaasen at the William Hill World Darts Championship.
Kirchner made short work of his preliminary round game against New Zealand's Mark McGrath with a whitewash win, and he took that form into his first round game with Anderson, who seemed to struggle with the American's pace of play and landed just nine of 38 attempts.
The averages were almost identical at just over 86, and Anderson hit three 180s and 15 140s but those missed doubles almost cost him dear as Kirchner saw an opportunity to win set three for a 2-1 lead go astray.
The Scot did manage to take the opening set, which went the distance after Kirchner took out 92 in two darts when Anderson failed to make the most of hitting a 180 and 140 to start the fourth leg.
Anderson rallied to produce a 14-dart leg in the decider, capped off with a double ten, and he could breathe a little easier after a testing start to his World Championship campaign.
A 180 from Kirchner started the second set, which he turned into a 14-dart leg, and he followed that up by bagging the second as well courtesy of double top for a 13-dart finish.
Anderson was sat on tops in the next to stay in the set, but Kirchner took out 66 to deny him the chance and level the match at a set apiece.
Anderson took the first two legs of set three, on double ten and tops, to regain his tough on the doubles, but a 180 from Kirchner in the next forced more missed doubles as the American landed double seven to hit back.
Anderson hit the 180 in the next, but was again punished for missed set darts as Kirchner levelled, before the DARTSLIVE Superdarts champion gave himself a dart for the set in the decider - just missing double 11 for a 124 finish to allow the number four set to post double five to regain the advantage.
A 69 finish put Kirchner ahead in the fourth set, but he missed a double 16 for the next leg, which Anderson took when he went all the way down to double one. That let-off proved to be enough for Anderson, who followed up with a 72 finish to take the third leg.
With the finish line in sight, Anderson then completed a hard-fought victory by hitting double 18 in the fourth leg to book his place against Jelle Klaasen in the second round after Christmas.
"It was a struggle and I couldn't get my pace right, so I was just glad to get over the finish line to be honest," admitted Anderson. "I couldn't get into a rhythm and Scott played well - he hit the big scores and I think there were a few legs where he missed doubles, and he could have taken the lead.
"The first round is always the hardest, but playing Jelle will suit me because he plays quicker. I know Jelle's game back-to-front and it will be a good pace."
Match Information
First Set 3-2 - Fast start from Anderson but Kirchner proving to be a tricky opponent. Anderson hits a 180 and then a 140 to start the fourth leg but can't finish and a 92 levels for the American. Anderson takes the decider though with a 14-darter.
Second Set 0-3 - What a turnaround, Anderson can't buy a double and the big American takes full advantage. Kirchner hit a 180 to start the set in what turned into a 14-darter, before hitting tops in the second and took out 66 after Anderson failed to find tops.
Third Set 3-2 - Anderson roars two ahead with finishes of 60 and 40, but a 180 from Kirchner helps him to take the leg for a break. Anderson hits a 180 in the next but still loses the leg. In the decider Kirchner just misses double 11 for the set and Anderson just about finds double five with his final dart to pinch it.
Fourth Set 3-1 - Anderson finally gets the job done despite going behind when Kirchner takes out 69.
Match Stats
| Gary Anderson | 3-1 | Scott Kirchner |
| 17 | 100+ | 20 |
| 14 | 140+ | 9 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 2 |
| 86.20 | Average | 86.21 |
| 72 | High Finish | 92 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 9/38 - 24% | Checkout % | 8/24 - 33% |