KEVIN PAINTER 3-1 DALE NEWTON
(3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0)
Click here for match highlights and an interview with Kevin Painter in DartsTV
KEVIN PAINTER began his challege for the Ladbrokes.com with an impressive 3-1 defeat of Dale Newton on Thursday.
Painter, a finalist at the Circus Tavern two years ago, suggested that he had regained the form of 2004 to see off the qualifier.
After losing the opening leg to 22-year-old debutant Newton, Painter responded with three straight legs to win the first set.
He added the second 3-2 before Newton hit back to win the third by the same scoreline, after Painter missed two darts to win the game.
The number seven seed, though, stepped up a gear and raced to a 3-0 scoreline in the fourth set to wrap up the win - and set up a meeting with Dale's older brother Wes in the second round.
"It's job done," said Painter afterwards. "Dale's a good player and I knew it was going to be a difficult tie.
"When you look at some of the players who have gone out, you know you have to be careful of everybody and it was in my mind, so I'm pleased to get through.
"I never really felt stretched to the limit and I think I played well all the way through. I'm looking good and I'm feeling good and I'm quite happy.
"As long as mind my mind is okay I'm alright, and I was good up there tonight mentally.
"It was a funny game for me because I wasn't getting hit with big scores and I knew that a couple of big scores would win each leg."
Newton said: "I loved every minute of it. I'd be happier if I'd played better but it's just that bit of consistency that you need up there which I need to get.
"With world class players like Kevin Painter you have got to keep on top of him all the time, which I didn't do in a few legs.
"I've got a bit of experience up there now and I'm hungry for more."
Match Stats
|
Kevin Painter |
3-1 |
Dale Newton |
|
22 |
100+ |
20 |
|
14 |
140+ |
6 |
|
1 |
180 |
1 |
|
28.82 |
Ave1 |
25.53 |
|
86.46 |
Ave3 |
76.59 |