DENNIS PRIESTLEY 3-1 JOHN MAGOWAN
(2-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-0)
Click here for match highlights and an interview with Dennis Priestley in DartsTV
DENNIS PRIESTLEY turned on the style to knock Northern Ireland's John Magowan out of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 3-1 win.
Priestley, the first World Champion at the Circus Tavern 12 years ago, was facing a potential first round exit after allowing a 2-0 lead to slip in the first set.
Magowan stole in with three straight legs to move 1-0 up, and also stepped in to take the first leg of the second set.
Priestley, though, made the qualifier pay for missed doubles as he swooped to take the set with three straight legs.
His run of form continued for the next two sets, winning six successive legs to seal victory.
"I've been told I had a 112 average and didn't win the first set, but John played well and deserved that," said Priestley.
"But I tried to keep my spirits up, I knew I played well but I couldn't afford to drop another set and was relieved to make it one-apiece.
"I went on from there and knew I had to dig deep. Winning nine legs on the trot was great and I'm just pleased to be coming back after Christmas.
"I've got a tough match but if I play as well as that I can beat Adrian Lewis and go on to make the final."
Match Stats
|
Dennis Priestley |
3-1 |
John Magowan |
|
26 |
100+ |
17 |
|
16 |
140+ |
7 |
|
1 |
180 |
5 |
|
31.90 |
Ave1 |
28.93 |
|
95.69 |
Ave3 |
86.78 |