Wade showcased his credentials with an impressive display during a 3-1 win over Welshman Jamie Lewis, when he averaged just over 97
The three-time semi-finalist also hit four 180s and 17 140-plus scores to see-off a spIrited challenge from the 23-year-old, who was making his third appearance at Alexandra Palace.
Lewis was not overawed and averaged almost 88, hit three 180s and impressive checkouts of 141 and 125 as he levelled the match at a set all.
Six straight legs from Wade proved to be the difference though, as he responded to losing the opening leg of the third set by powering into round two.
"It wasn't an amazing game but I'm through, I'm happy, and I'm in the next round and the turkey will taste amazing this Christmas," said Wade, who could face reigning Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting in the second round.
"I haven't said this enough before but that win is partly thanks to the crowd - they're amazing and they give you that extra ten percent."
Wade added: "I've played Stephen two or three times recently, I've not turned up and we've still had close games so if I end up playing hinm we'll just wait and see what happens. But for now I'm just thinking about being happy and looking forward to Christmas."
Huybrechts was also impressive in his 3-0 victory over Mickey Mansell in the first round, as he joined brother Ronny in the last 32.
The Belgian star recorded an average of just under 100 despite hitting just a single 180, with his 16 140-plus scores showing some tremendous consistency throughout the match.
Huybrechts started the first leg off looking good as he took it with double 16 after throwing a 177. Mansell hit his first 180 in the next, but two 140s led to Huybrechts hitting double 18.
Mansell took out 101 to get his first leg on the board, but another 180 in the fourth leg was not enough to prevent Huybrechts taking the set with an early 103 average.
Huybrechts landed another 177 in the opening leg of the second set, but Mansell hit back to level after the Belgian missed doubles to take the lead.
Mansell then hit 180s in the next two legs, which were shared, and even when he scored well in the next Huybrechts beat him to the punch by taking out 108 for the set.
Huybrechts hit a 13-darter and Mansell a 14-darter with a 180 as they battled out the opening legs of set three, and the Belgian upped his game even more with a 12-darter to put him on the brink of victory.
His first 180 only came in what proved to be the final leg of the match, which led to him being able to take out 80 to secure a place in the second round.
"I did enough to win and to get through the first round is good enough for me," said Huybrechts. "The first set was good to win so after that I was happy enough, but you want to win every set that you play, it's all so important.
"Mickey's a good player and he's given me some good games in the past so I was aware of how good he can be. I was a bit worried about the 180s, I kept missing the last dart but to get one in the last leg was great.
"My overall scoring was good and what's really important is the doubles and I was happy with them."
Dave Chisnall secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ryan De Vreede as he progressed to face another Dutchman, Benito van de Pas.
Chisnall averaged 86.08 and hit three 180s, despite having to come from behind after debutant De Vreede took out double 16 for the opening leg.
Chisnall replied with a 56 finish on tops, before he took out 74 for a break of throw in the leg three, while both men hit 180s in the fourth before the number eight seed claimed the set without missing a double.
Chisnall started off the second set in the same fashion as he checked out 116 to remain perfect on doubling out, and although he did lose his range slightly on the finishing, a pair of double fives put him into a two-set lead.
The Grand Slam finalist, though, encountered some troubles in set three with a series of untimely bounce-outs, including one when he landed a double to win a leg only to see an earlier scoring dart fall out of the board before being retrieved, allowing De Vreede to ghost in and hit tops.
Another dart dropped out for Chisnall as De Vreede went 2-1 in front, but after the Dutchman missed a set dart Chisnall levelled before hitting 65 in the fifth leg to take the match.
"It's my own fault really," said Chisnall, of his darting troubles. "I changed my darts before the match, when I was practising they were sticking in fine but the points just weren't working during the game.
"I just need to rough up the points a bit really, I didn't think I'd need to but I'll learn from it and know for next time. I didn't play too badly and I'm just relieved to get through to the next round in the end."
Ian White will take on Huybrechts in round two after seeing off Greek qualifier John Michael 3-1 in their first round encounter, after the debutant enjoyed a fine display to defeat Finland's Jani Haavisto 4-1 in the preliminary round.
White averaged 86.72 and hit three 180s with a highest finish of 101 as the number 15 seed began his bid to at least match his trip to the quarter-finals of the event last year.
White opened up with the first leg, but Michael was well suited to the big stage and took out 49 in the next to level the match. White moved 2-1 in front before taking out 31 in the fourth to clinch the opening set without too much of a fuss.
Michael, a 13-time Greek national champion, showed just why he's won so much in his home country with a "Shanghai" 120 finish to start the second set, showing he meant business.
White, though, was also showing good form and reeled off three straight legs to double his advantage, the highlight being a 101 outshot in the second leg before a 180 and 120 left him with double eight.
Another 180 helped White move ahead in the third set, but he missed three doubles as Michael levelled, before a 106 finish gave the Greek a 2-1 lead, and double tops completed the comeback set.
White took out 76 in the fourth to try and extinguish the Michael comeback, and a 177 followed by double eight helped even further.
Michael took out 64 to threaten a comeback but White put the game to bed and sent him into a second round encounter with Huybrechts.
"After seeing a few other seeds being knocked out by qualifiers it was in the back of my mind, and John played well in his preliminary round game," said White.
"At the end of the day I'm through but I did step off a little bit. I'm through to play Kim and I know I'll have to step it up a bit. Once you get past the first round you're more relaxed, and it should be a cracking match against Kim."
In Sunday's afternoon session, Benito van de Pas enjoyed his first appearance in the William Hill World Darts Championship as he defeated 25th seed Paul Nicholson 3-2 in an enthralling first round encounter, while Dean Winstanley, Mark Webster and Kevin Painter progressed on Sunday afternoon.
Van de Pas, a 21-year-old Dutchman, earned his place at Alexandra Palace after an impressive first season on the PDC circuit after winning a Tour Card in January, and he took full advantage by earning a huge win over the former quarter-finalist.
Both men started perfectly by hitting 180s on their opening visits to the oche, but it was van de Pas who maintained his form the best, completing a 14-darter with double 16.
Nicholson missed all three shots at doubles during the set, which van de Pas sealed by hitting double eight for a 41 finish.
Former Players Championship Finals winner Nicholson responded well, taking the second set 3-0 after hitting double eight, checking out 116 on double 18 and finishing off with a 38 outshot.
A break of throw in the next put Nicholson ahead, but after narrowly missing a 170 checkout, van de Pas levelled. An 80 finish on tops edged Nicholson in front again and he then edged the set on double two, after the Dutchman missed tops to force a decider.
Two 180s helped van de Pas move ahead in the fourth set, and although he missed three sets darts to allow Nicholson to level, he landed double 16 in the decider to stay in the match.
Van de Pas went 2-0 up in the decider - after Nicholson hit the wrong double - and despite a 180 in the next, Nicholson went out when van de Pas checked out 109 to complete a dream debut.
“That was awesome," said van de Pas. "I started really well, but in the second and the third set I wasn’t playing very well so just had to stay in it.
“I’ve played really well on the floor all season and played well in some Players Championship events, and what I learnt there is that you just have to fight and fight to get anything.
“I played well in the first set and then Paul came back, so then I just had to fight as hard as I could to get through. That 109 at the end went in and it was amazing.
“I’m going back home tonight then I’ll come back to play in Saturday against Dave Chisnall or Ryan De Vreede – I would like to play against Ryan because I’ve been travelling with him the whole year so it’d be nice to play him here.”
Mark Webster earned a second round showdown with Phil Taylor with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over fellow left-hander Ron Meulenkamp.
The Welshman started off like a train with two ton-plus finishes in the opening set, but hitting doubles would become a huge problem for both men as they combined to miss 64 darts at doubles, with the majority coming in the game's fourth set.
Two-time Alexandra Palace semi-finalist Webster lost the opening leg, but then took out 104 in the second and 107 in the fourth to clinch the set.
Webster hit a 12-darter in the first leg of the second set after hitting a 180 and an 81 outshot, but Meulenkamp stayed with him this time to drag it to 2-2, and although Webster landed the wrong double once he was let off the hook and returned to hit double five.
Debutant Meulenkamp responded in the next set by starting off with a 180 in the first leg, and he went on to take three straight legs as the cracks started to appear in Webster's finishing.
A 180 from Webster was a high quality start to the fourth set. He then moved 2-1 ahead before an amazing final leg saw both players miss double after double, until with the 58th dart of the leg, Webster finally hit double one to book a second round tie with Taylor.
“The first two sets were great and I was thinking I was playing well, I felt great up there,” said Webster. “I won’t look at stats, averages or missed doubles, it’s the winning that counts.
"I’ve had a tough time for the last few years really and it’s just great to get the job done. I’m a million miles from where I want to be but it's going to take time and I just have to be patient and work hard, and I am working hard.
“I’m up for playing Phil, for me he’s still the best there is, but I won’t be scared of him. I’m not trying to rub him up the wrong way or anything like that but I have beaten him before here, not many other people have.
“Every time you play Phil you have to see it as a massive opportunity to go up there and show what you can do and that’s exactly how I’ll approach it.”
Dean Winstanley won a high-quality contest with Wayne Jones 3-2 to move into the second round.
Winstanley hit seven 180s and averaged 93.66 while also hitting three ton-plus finishes, but all that was only just enough to squeeze by Jones, who averaged even higher at 94 and had four 180s of his own.
Winstanley kicked off with a 136 finish in the first leg to go ahead, and hit a 180 in the third to take the set 3-0 and enjoy the perfect start.
A 116 finish started the second set brilliantly for Winstanley as well, and he followed that up with another 136 checkout in the fourth leg, but that was only good enough to level matters, while Jones withstood a 180 from his opponent in the decider to level the match.
Jones really hit his stride in the third set, as he came from a leg down to finish legs of 14, 11 and 15 darts in a fine set as he moved 2-1 up in the game.
Winstanley responded to win the fourth 3-1, finishing double seven and 74 to lead before posting double ten to send the contest into a deciding fifth set.
Winstanley hit 61 to start the final set, and though Jones levelled he took out 24 and 25 as he sealed his place in the second round against Darren Webster.
“That was a really tiring game, I just couldn’t shake Wayne off and every time I tried to do it he just came coming back at me and back at me," said Winstanley.
"I thought we both played well, but I really wanted that, I’ve been in a sudden death game before and there’s no way I wanted to play in one again!"
Winstanley added: "I’ve never beaten Darren and he’s breaking my heart - he’s like a Yorkshire terrier, but we’ll see how it is when we get up to play here. This is my stage not his! "
Kevin Painter overcame a minor scare from Russian qualifier Boris Koltsov to make it into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship with a 3-1 victory.
Painter made a comfortable start to his game with the Russian - who had earlier won his preliminary round match against Haruki Muramatsu 4-2 - taking the first three legs, including a 110 finish in the second leg and a 52 outshot to clinch it.
Koltsov then produced an inspired second set, with the Russian taking the first leg, before breaking the throw with a double 16 after Painter had missed doubles himself.
In his best leg of the match, Koltsov then hit two 180s and managed to land a double nine to claim a 3-0 set and level the match.
Painter, though, responded by taking the next six legs on the spin, including a double 16 and a brilliant 138 outshot that claimed the third set.
The fourth set went the same way, with Painter back on song with his finishing when taking out 78 and 110 before completing the job for a second round tie with another international qualifier, Cristo Reyes from Spain.
Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld begins his challenge at Alexandra Palace when he faces exciting Austrian youngster Rowby-John Rodriguez in Monday's first round play at Alexandra Palace.
Former World Youth Champion Michael Smith meets another Austrian, Mensur Suljovic, while Jamie Caven plays Scottish debutant Jason Hogg and Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan meets either South Africa's Nolan Arendse or Hong Kong's Alex Hon.
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WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Preliminary & First Rounds
Sunday December 21
Afternoon Session
Paul Nicholson (25) 2-3 Benito van de Pas
Boris Koltsov 4-2 Haruki Muramatsu (P)
Mark Webster (31) 3-1 Ron Meulenkamp
Dean Winstanley (26) 3-2 Wayne Jones
Kevin Painter (20) 3-1 Boris Koltsov
Evening Session
Kim Huybrechts (18) 3-0 Michael Mansell
Jani Haavisto 1-4 John Michael (P)
Dave Chisnall (8) 3-0 Ryan De Vreede
James Wade (6) 3-1 Jamie Lewis
Ian White (15) 3-1 John Michael
MATCH INFORMATION
AFTERNOON SESSION
PAUL NICHOLSON 2-3 BENITO VAN DE PAS
(0-3, 3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 0-3)
DEBUTANT Benito van de Pas enjoyed his first visit to the William Hill World Darts Championship as he defeated 25th seed Paul Nicholson 3-2 in an enthralling first round encounter.
Van de Pas, a 21-year-old Dutchman, earned his place at Alexandra Palace after an impressive first season on the PDC circuit after winning a Tour Card in January, and he took full advantage by earning a huge win over the former quarter-finalist.
Both men started perfectly by hitting 180s on their opening visits to the oche, but it was van de Pas who maintained his form the best, completing a 14-darter with double 16.
Nicholson missed all three shots at doubles during the set, which van de Pas sealed by hitting double eight for a 41 finish.
Former Players Championship Finals winner Nicholson responded well, taking the second set 3-0 after hitting double eight, checking out 116 on double 18 and finishing off with a 38 outshot.
A break of throw in the next put Nicholson ahead, but after narrowly missing a 170 checkout, van de Pas levelled. An 80 finish on tops edged Nicholson in front again and he then edged the set on double two, after the Dutchman missed tops to force a decider.
Two 180s helped van de Pas move ahead in the fourth set, and although he missed three sets darts to allow Nicholson to level, he landed double 16 in the decider to stay in the match.
Van de Pas went 2-0 up in the decider - after Nicholson hit the wrong double - and despite a 180 in the next, Nicholson went out when van de Pas checked out 109 to complete a dream debut.
“That was awesome," said van de Pas. "I started really well, but in the second and the third set I wasn’t playing very well so just had to stay in it.
“I’ve played really well on the floor all season and played well in some Players Championship events, and what I learnt there is that you just have to fight and fight to get anything.
“I played well in the first set and then Paul came back, so then I just had to fight as hard as I could to get through. That 109 at the end went in and it was amazing.
“I’m going back home tonight then I’ll come back to play in Saturday against Dave Chisnall or Ryan De Vreede – I would like to play against Ryan because I’ve been travelling with him the whole year so it’d be nice to play him here.”
First Set 0-3 - Cracking start with both men firing in 180s, but it's van de Pas who draws first blood with double 16 taking out the first leg in 14 darts. He takes the second and third as well, with a 41 finish giving him the set with a 93.94 average.
Second Set 3-0 - Reply in kind from Nicholson, who just misses 134 but returns to finish off 32. Then he takes out 116 on double 18 and mops up 38 to finish off the set.
Third Set 3-1 - Nicholson breaks the throw in the first leg to get off to a great start, but van de Pas levels after almost taking out 170. 80 checkout on tops puts Nicholson ahead and after missing five set darts he takes it.
Fourth Set 2-3 - Two 180s for van de Pas but they're not enough to win him the set. He also misses three set darts to let Nicholson level. With Nicholson a leg away from the match he can't grab the chance and van de Pas hits double 16 to stay in the match.
Fifth Set 0-3 - It's all van de Pas after a great start to the set. Nicholson hits the wrong double as he also loses the second despite 180. And despite a 180 again in thr third, van de Pas hits 109 to win the match.
Match Stats
| Paul Nicholson | 2-3 | Benito van de Pas |
| 23 | 100+ | 30 |
| 11 | 140+ | 6 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 3 |
| 85.49 | Average | 86.28 |
| 116 | High Finish | 109 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 8/30 - 27% | Checkout % | 10/28 - 36% |
BORIS KOLTSOV 4-2 HARUKI MURAMATSU (P)
Boris Koltsov secured a place in the first round on his William Hill World Darts Championship debut with a 4-2 victory over Japan's Haruki Muramatsu.
Koltsov went behind in the opening leg, but hit back with three on the spin to move to the brink of the first round, taking out 60 and then hitting double eight.
He wasted two darts for the match in the fifth leg, and Muramatsu cleaned up 56 to keep his hopes alive.
Another match dart went astray for Koltsov, but Muramatsu could not take advantage this time as he missed four darts for the leg, and Koltsov made no mistake next time around to progress to a meeting with Kevin Painter.
Match Stats
| Boris Koltsov | 4-2 | Haruki Muramatsu |
| 6 | 100+ | 12 |
| 3 | 140+ | 2 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 0 |
| 79.27 | Average | 75.69 |
| 60 | High Finish | 56 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 4/9 - 44% | Checkout % | 2/10 - 20% |
MARK WEBSTER 3-1 RON MEULENKAMP
(3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-1)
MARK WEBSTER earned a second round showdown with Phil Taylor at the William Hill World Darts Championship with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over fellow left-hander Ron Meulenkamp.
The Welshman started off like a train with two ton-plus finishes in the opening set, but hitting doubles would become a huge problem for both men as they combined to miss 64 darts at doubles, with the majority coming in the game's fourth set.
Two-time Alexandra Palace semi-finalist Webster lost the opening leg, but then took out 104 in the second and 107 in the fourth to clinch the set.
Webster hit a 12-darter in the first leg of the second set after hitting a 180 and an 81 outshot, but Meulenkamp stayed with him this time to drag it to 2-2, and although Webster landed the wrong double once he was let off the hook and returned to hit double five.
Debutant Meulenkamp responded in the next set by starting off with a 180 in the first leg, and he went on to take three straight legs as the cracks started to appear in Webster's finishing.
A 180 from Webster was a high quality start to the fourth set. He then moved 2-1 ahead before an amazing final leg saw both players miss double after double, until with the 58th dart of the leg, Webster finally hit double one to book a second round tie with Taylor.
“The first two sets were great and I was thinking I was playing well, I felt great up there,” said Webster. “I won’t look at stats, averages or missed doubles, it’s the winning that counts.
"I’ve had a tough time for the last few years really and it’s just great to get the job done. I’m a million miles from where I want to be but it's going to take time and I just have to be patient and work hard, and I am working hard.
“I’m up for playing Phil, for me he’s still the best there is, but I won’t be scared of him. I’m not trying to rub him up the wrong way or anything like that but I have beaten him before here, not many other people have.
“Every time you play Phil you have to see it as a massive opportunity to go up there and show what you can do and that’s exactly how I’ll approach it.”
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Meulenkamp takes the opening leg but Webster shows some real quality in his response, taking out finishes of 104 and then 107 in the final leg.
Second Set 3-2 - Webster kicks off with a 12-darter with two 180s and an 81 finish, but misses tops in the next to let Muelenkamp hit 60. 72 on tops puts Webster ahead again and desipte hitting the wrong double in the fifth he returns for double five.
Third Set 0-3 - Meulenkamp hits 180 en route to grabbing the opener, and double 12 gets the second after three Webster misses at double 10.
Fourth Set 3-1 - Incredible finish to the match with two two combining for 58 darts
Match Stats
| Mark Webster | 3-1 | Ron Meulenkamp |
| 19 | 100+ | 21 |
| 5 | 140+ | 12 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 1 |
| 81.91 | Average | 77.78 |
| 107 | High Finish | 60 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 9/43 - 21% | Checkout % | 7/37 - 19% |
DEAN WINSTANLEY 3-2 WAYNE JONES
(3-0, 2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-1)
DEAN WINSTANLEY won a high-quality contest with Wayne Jones 3-2 to move into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
Winstanley hit seven 180s and averaged 93.66 while also hitting three ton-plus finishes, but all that was only just enough to squeeze by Jones, who averaged even higher at 94 and had four 180s of his own.
Winstanley kicked off with a 136 finish in the first leg to go ahead, and hit a 180 in the third to take the set 3-0 and enjoy the perfect start.
A 116 finish started the second set brilliantly for Winstanley as well, and he followed that up with another 136 checkout in the fourth leg, but that was only good enough to level matters, while Jones withstood a 180 from his opponent in the decider to level the match.
Jones really hit his stride in the third set, as he came from a leg down to finish legs of 14, 11 and 15 darts in a fine set as he moved 2-1 up in the game.
Winstanley responded to win the fourth 3-1, finishing double seven and 74 to lead before posting double ten to send the contest into a deciding fifth set.
Winstanley hit 61 to start the final set, and though Jones levelled he took out 24 and 25 as he sealed his place in the second round against Darren Webster.
“That was a really tiring game, I just couldn’t shake Wayne off and every time I tried to do it he just came coming back at me and back at me," said Winstanley.
"I thought we both played well, but I really wanted that, I’ve been in a sudden death game before and there’s no way I wanted to play in one again!"
Winstanley added: "I’ve never beaten Darren and he’s breaking my heart - he’s like a Yorkshire terrier, but we’ll see how it is when we get up to play here. This is my stage not his!"
Match Information
First Set 3-0 - Wonderful opening set from Winstanley, taking out 136 in the very first leg and a finish of 76 to lead with an average over 100.
Second Set 2-3 - A 116 puts WInstanley ahead, Jones replies with two legs on the spin with solid scoring, and a 68 outshot. Now another 136 from Winstanley but Jones comes again and wins the set.
Third Set 1-3 - A 12-darter puts Jones 2-1 ahead after both men hit 180s in the same leg. Winstanley hits another 180 in the next but Jones takes out 68 to win the set.
Fourth Set 3-1 - A Winstanley break to start, then a 74 checkout after another 180. Jones makes it 2-1 after Winstanley misses two for the set, but he makes amends in the next.
Fifth Set 3-1 - Winstanley strikes first in the decider with 61 checkout. Jones nips in for double 12 but Winstanley, after missing the Bull for the match hits double eight after threemissed darts by Jones.
Match Stats
| Dean Winstanley | 3-2 | Wayne Jones |
| 21 | 100+ | 19 |
| 16 | 140+ | 23 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 7 | 180 | 4 |
| 93.66 | Average | 94.01 |
| 136 x2 | High Finish | 68 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 12/29 - 41% | Checkout % | 8/20 - 40% |
KEVIN PAINTER 3-1 BORIS KOLTSOV
(3-0, 0-3, 3-0, 3-0)
KEVIN PAINTER overcame a minor scare from Russian qualifier Boris Koltsov to make it into the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship with a 3-1 victory.
Painter made a comfortable start to his game with the Russian - who had earlier won his preliminary round match against Haruki Muramatsu 4-2 - taking the first three legs, including a 110 finish in the second leg and a 52 outshot to clinch it.
Koltsov then produced an inspired second set, with the Russian taking the first leg, before breaking the throw with a double 16 after Painter had missed doubles himself.
In his best leg of the match, Koltsov then hit two 180s and managed to land a double nine to claim a 3-0 set and level the match.
Painter, though, responded by taking the next six legs on the spin, including a double 16 and a brilliant 138 outshot that claimed the third set.
The fourth set went the same way, with Painter back on song with his finishing when taking out 78 and 110 before completing the job for a second round tie with another international qualifier, Cristo Reyes from Spain.
Match Information
First Set 3-0 - Easy start for Painter as he would have hoped for. Takes out 110 in the second and 52 in the third.
Second Set 0-3 - Big surprise from the Russian and Koltsov sweeps the set, breaking a wasteful Painter in the second leg, before hitting two 180s in the final leg.
Third Set 3-0 - Painter recovers in good fashion with a clean sweep.in the set - taking out 57 before a brilliant 138 to wrap it up.
Fourth Set 3-0 - Painter clinches it with another sweeped set. More good finishing, this time a 78 and a 110 before easing over the line in comfort.
Match Stats
| Kevin Painter | 3-1 | Boris Koltsov |
| 20 | 100+ | 15 |
| 7 | 140+ | 3 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 3 |
| 89.57 | Average | 78.14 |
| 138 | High Finish | 20 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 9/24 - 38% | Checkout % | 3/12 |
EVENING SESSION
KIM HUYBRECHTS 3-0 MICKEY MANSELL
(3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
KIM HUYBRECHTS made an impressive start to the William Hill World Darts Championship with a 3-0 victory over Mickey Mansell in the first round.
The Belgian star recorded an average of just under 100 despite hitting just a single 180, with his 16 140-plus scores showing some tremendous consistency throughout the match.
Huybrechts started the first leg off looking good as he took it with double 16 after throwing a 177. Mansell hit his first 180 in the next, but two 140s led to Huybrechts hitting double 18.
Mansell took out 101 to get his first leg on the board, but another 180 in the fourth leg was not enough to prevent Huybrechts taking the set with an early 103 average.
Huybrechts landed another 177 in the opening leg of the second set, but Mansell hit back to level after the Belgian missed doubles to take the lead.
Mansell then hit 180s in the next two legs, which were shared, and even when he scored well in the next Huybrechts beat him to the punch by taking out 108 for the set.
Huybrechts hit a 13-darter and Mansell a 14-darter with a 180 as they battled out the opening legs of set three, and the Belgian upped his game even more with a 12-darter to put him on the brink of victory.
His first 180 only came in what proved to be the final leg of the match, which led to him being able to take out 80 to secure a place in the second round.
"I did enough to win and to get through the first round is good enough for me," said Huybrechts. "The first set was good to win so after that I was happy enough, but you want to win every set that you play, it's all so important.
"Mickey's a good player and he's given me some good games in the past so I was aware of how good he can be. I was a bit worried about the 180s, I kept missing the last dart but to get one in the last leg was great.
"My overall scoring was good and what's really important is the doubles and I was happy with them."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Huybrechts includes a 177 in the first leg as he finishes it off with double 16. Two 140s in the next as Mansell hits 180, but Huybrechts takes it with double 18. A 101 outshot for Mansell makes it 2-1 but Huybrechts finishes it off with double four.
Second Set 3-2 - Again Huybrechts starts with a 177 in the opening leg, which he takes with an 80 checkout. Mansell then goes in front but Huybrechts levels then takes out 108 for the set.
Third Set 3-2 - Two 140s help Mansell go ahead, but a 13-darter replies for Huybrechts. Another 180 for Mansell helps him to a 14-dart reply, but Huybrechts takes out 146 to level, and finally gets his first 180 next up before 80 finishes the job.
Match Stats
| Kim Huybrechts | 3-0 | Mickey Mansell |
| 16 | 100+ | 15 |
| 14 | 140+ | 10 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 5 |
| 99.40 | Average | 87.65 |
| 146 | High Finish | 101 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 9/22 - 41% | Checkout % | 5/15 - 33% |
JANI HAAVISTO 1-4 JOHN MICHAEL (P)
GREEK ace John Michael book a first round clash with Ian White at the William Hill World Darts Championship after seeing off the challenge of Finland's Jani Haavisto 4-1.
Michael, a 13-time Greek national champion, took the first leg, before Haavisto took out 48 on double 16 to level.
Michael made it 2-1 and then 3-1 with a break of throw - finished off on double 16 - making it three legs in a row before finishing double nine to complete the win.
A former European Championship qualifier and the South Europe Qualifier for his Alexandra Palace debut, Michael now meets Ian White later on Sunday evening.
Match Stats
| Jani Haavisto | 1-4 | John Michael |
| 6 | 100+ | 8 |
| 3 | 140+ | 5 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 1 |
| 83.77 | Average | 94.82 |
| 48 | High Finish | 80 |
| 0 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 1/2 - 50% | Checkout % | 4/7 - 57% |
DAVE CHISNALL 3-0 RYAN DE VREEDE
(3-1, 3-0, 3-2)
Dave Chisnall secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dutch debutant Ryan De Vreede as he progressed to face another Dutchman, Benito van de Pas.
Chisnall averaged 86.08 and hit three 180s, despite having to come from behind after debutant De Vreede took out double 16 for the opening leg.
Chisnall replied with a 56 finish on tops, before he took out 74 for a break of throw in the leg three, while both men hit 180s in the fourth before the number eight seed claimed the set without missing a double.
Chisnall started off the second set in the same fashion as he checked out 116 to remain perfect on doubling out, and although he did lose his range slightly on the finishing, a pair of double fives put him into a two-set lead.
The Grand Slam finalist, though, encountered some troubles in set three with a series of untimely bounce-outs, including one when he landed a double to win a leg only to see an earlier scoring dart fall out of the board before being retrieved, allowing De Vreede to ghost in and hit tops.
Another dart dropped out for Chisnall as De Vreede went 2-1 in front, but after the Dutchman missed a set dart Chisnall levelled before hitting 65 in the fifth leg to take the match.
"It's my own fault really," said Chisnall, of his darting troubles. "I changed my darts before the match, when I was practising they were sticking in fine but the points just weren't working during the game.
"I just need to rough up the points a bit really, I didn't think I'd need to but I'll learn from it and know for next time. I didn't play too badly and I'm just relieved to get through to the next round in the end."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - De Vreede starts with a double 16 to take the opening leg. Chisnall answers with a 56 outshot and then a 74 for a break of throw, with a 180 helping him to take the fourth as well.
Second Set 3-0 - More of the same from Chisnall, who checks out 116 at the start of the set to go ahead again. He then leaves it to double five twice as he makes it six legs in a row.
Third Set 3-2 - A series of bounce-outs rock Chisnall and he also loses a leg after hitting the double only to see a previous scoring dart also fall out. De Vreede hits a 180 but misses a dart for the set at 2-2, before Chisnall hits 65 in the fifth leg to go seal his win.
Match Stats
| Dave Chisnall | 3-0 | Ryan De Vreede |
| 16 | 100+ | 15 |
| 6 | 140+ | 1 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 2 |
| 86.08 | Average | 75.24 |
| 116 | High Finish | 56 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 9/27 - 33% | Checkout % | 3/11 - 27% |
JAMES WADE 3-1 JAMIE LEWIS
(3-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-0)
JAMES WADE showcased his credentials to win the William Hill World Darts Championship with an impressive display during a 3-1 win over Welshman Jamie Lewis, when he averaged just over 97.
The three-time semi-finalist also hit four 180s and 17 140-plus scores to see-off a spIrited challenge from the 23-year-old, who was making his third appearance at Alexandra Palace.
Lewis was not overawed and averaged almost 88, hit three 180s and impressive checkouts of 141 and 125 as he levelled the match at a set all.
Six straight legs from Wade proved to be the difference though, as he responded to losing the opening leg of the third set by powering into round two.
It was a good start from Wade with a 180 in the opening leg, which he took pretty comfortably with a double ten.
The response from young Welshman Lewis was emphatic though, as he took out 141 in the next leg on double 12, but that would be his only leg in the set as Wade took out 60 before hitting his second 180 as double top secured the set.
Lewis produced more fine finishing at the start of the second set, with a 125 coming on the back of his first 180.
Wade battled back to level at two-all to make it 2-2 after Lewis missed the bullseye for the set, but the youngster made amends in the next leg when hitting double four to level the game.
The Wade throw was broken by Lewis at the start of the third set, but the left-hander returned the favour with a 68 checkout in the next, before he turned on the gas with a 96 finish to move ahead before landing three 140s followed by an 81 outshot for the set.
A 14-darter gave Wade the perfect start to the fourth set, finished off by double top, which also did the damage in the second leg as he took out 47.
Wade's fourth 180 in the next set him up perfectly and it went down to double five for him to seal a place in the next round, against either Stephen Bunting or the winner of the preliminary round tie between Jermaine Wattimena and Robert Marijanovic.
"It wasn't an amazing game but I'm through, I'm happy, and I'm in the next round and the turkey will taste amazing this Christmas," said Wade, November's Masters champion.
"I haven't said this enough before but that win is partly thanks to the crowd - they're amazing and they give you that extra ten percent."
Wade added: "I've played Stephen two or three times recently, I've not turned up and we've still had close games so if I end up playing hinm we'll just wait and see what happens. But for now I'm just thinking about being happy and looking forward to Christmas."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Good start from Wade with two 180s in the set, but Lewis shows he's not scared of the big stage with a brilliant 141 outshot on double 12. Wade then hits 60 and finishes off the leg with tops.
Second Set 2-3 - Fast start from Lewis, with a 125 outshot after a 180. Wade levels with 24, but Lewis hits double four next followed by tops from Wade. In the decider Lewis misses two at double 16, Wades misses one at tops and Lewis hits double four to level.
Third Set 3-1 - Swapping breaks of throw with Wade taking out 68. Lewis hits 180 but Wade responds by taking out 96, and follows that with three 140s and an 81 checkout on double 13 for the set.
Fourth Set 3-0 - A 14-darter to kick-off for Wade, finishing on double top, which he again uses to go 2-0 up. A 180 gets him in front in the third and that also goes his way, with double five proving the winning dart - six straight legs sees Wade through.
Match Stats
| James Wade | 3-1 | Jamie Lewis |
| 13 | 100+ | 17 |
| 15 | 140+ | 10 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 3 |
| 97.14 | Average | 87.75 |
| 96 | High Finish | 141 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 11/30 - 37% | Checkout % | 5/11 - 45% |
IAN WHITE 3-1 JOHN MICHAEL
(3-1, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1)
IAN WHITE will take on Kim Huybrechts in round two of the William Hill World Darts Championship after seeing off Greek qualifier John Michael 3-1 in the first round at Alexandra Palace.
White averaged 86.72 and hit three 180s with a highest finish of 101 as the number 15 seed began his bid to at least match his trip to the quarter-finals of the event last year.
White opened up with the first leg, but Michael was well suited to the big stage and took out 49 in the next to level the match. White moved 2-1 in front before taking out 31 in the fourth to clinch the opening set without too much of a fuss.
Michael, a 13-time Greek national champion, showed just why he's won so much in his home country with a "Shanghai" 120 finish to start the second set, showing he meant business.
White, though, was also showing good form and reeled off three straight legs to double his advantage, the highlight being a 101 outshot in the second leg before a 180 and 120 left him with double eight.
Another 180 helped White move ahead in the third set, but he missed three doubles as Michael levelled, before a 106 finish gave the Greek a 2-1 lead, and double tops completed the comeback set.
White took out 76 in the fourth to try and extinguish the Michael comeback, and a 177 followed by double eight helped even further.
Michael took out 64 to threaten a comeback but White put the game to bed and sent him into a second round encounter with Huybrechts.
"After seeing a few other seeds being knocked out by qualifiers it was in the back of my mind, and John played well in his preliminary round game," said White.
"At the end of the day I'm through but I did step off a little bit. I'm through to play Kim and I know I'll have to step it up a bit. Once you get past the first round you're more relaxed, and it should be a cracking match against Kim."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - White goes ahead, but Michael is not lying down, and takes out 49 in the second leg to level. White moves ahead and a 41 in the fourth is enough for the set.
Second Set 3-1 - A "Shanghai" 120 finish from Michael puts the Greek thrower ahead, but it's immediately cancelled out by White. White then takes out 101 on double 16 and hits 180 and 120 in the next before clinching the set.
Third Set 1-3 - The fightback is on for Michael, who pounces after three missed doubles from White before taking out 106 for 2-1, and double tops in the next leg grabs the set.
Fourth Set 3-1 - 76 from White gets him off the mark, and a 177 helps him get down to double eight for 2-0. A 64 in reply for Michael stops the rot but White finishes it off with double 16 for the match.
| Ian White | 3-1 | John Michael |
| 22 | 100+ | 27 |
| 11 | 140+ | 7 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 1 |
| 86.72 | Average | 81.02 |
| 101 | High Finish | 120 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 10/32 - 31% | Checkout % | 6/12 - 50% |