PETER WRIGHT and Mark Webster both won through remarkable seven-set clashes at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Friday night, and were joined in the quarter-finals by on-song Simon Whitlock at Alexandra Palace.
Wright produced his best-ever televised performance as he knocked out World Youth Champion Michael Smith in a thriller, with his 105.07 average being the highest of this year's event so far.
The number 16 seed overcame ten 180s from Smith with seven of his own amongst a heavy-scoring performance, which included three ton-plus checkouts.
Having won the game's opening set in a deciding leg, Wright would lost the next two in the same manner - despite finishes of 161 and 136 - as Smith took a 2-1 lead.
Scottish-born Wright then finishde 116 to win the fourth set in another deciding leg, only for Smith to follow up an 11-darter in set five by taking out 136 himself to regain the lead at 3-2.
Wright, though, showed his class by taking the sixth set 3-1 to level the game before sweeping through the decider without reply to reach his first World Championship quarter-final, where he will meet Wes Newton on Saturday night.
Smith had defeated reigning World Champion Phil Taylor in the second round, but just fell short in his bid to add to his World Youth Championship title by losing out in the last 16.
Welsh star Mark Webster, a former Lakeside Champion and a two-time Alexandra Palace semi-finalist, continued his resurgence with another gritty deciding-set victory as he knocked out five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld 4-3.
Webster has previously overcome Mensur Suljovic 3-2 and John Henderson 4-3 as he moved into the last 16, and came from 3-2 down in sets against van Barneveld as he reached his first ranking quarter-final since April.
After the first two sets were shared in deciding legs, van Barneveld took out 110 to win the third 3-1, before Webster levelled in the fourth as he hit two 180s and a 101 finish in the deciding leg.
Van Barneveld responded with two maximums of his own in a 12-darter to open the fifth set, and took out a 13-darter and a 120 finish to move back in front at 3-2 - only for Webster to claim the next six legs without reply to celebrate another gutsy win.
Australian star Simon Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up at Alexandra Palace, maintained his record of not yet dropping a set in this year's World Championship as he lost only four legs in a 4-0 win over 2004 finalist Kevin Painter.
The number four seed hit four 180s in the opening set as he won a deciding leg to take the advantage, and though Painter led in the second set it was the former European Champion who took command with six straight legs to move 3-0 up.
Painter also led in the fourth set, but Whitlock continued to capitalise on misses as he claimed the next three legs and a place in the quarter-finals against Ian White.
"I thought I played well and I did the right things at the right time," said Whitlock, who needed only 37 minutes to take the win.
"I can't ask for more than a 4-0 win and I took every chance I had.
The afternoon session had seen Wes Newton and comeback kid Ian White win through to the quarter-finals, as dancing Devon Petersen completed the third round line-up at Alexandra Palace with a 4-1 win over Justin Pipe.
Number eight seed Newton won through to his third World Championship quarter-final in fine style with a 4-1 win over Robert Thornton as the £1 million tournament resumed following the Christmas break.
Newton punished three misses from Thornton to win the game's opening set before winning the second without reply to move two sets up.
He also led 2-0 in the third before Thornton, aided by a 136 finish, hit back to win a decider on double top to pull back to 2-1 in the match - only for Newton to race through the fourth and then win the fifth set 3-1 to seal his quarter-final spot.
Stoke's White, meanwhile, produced a thrilling comeback from 3-1 down in sets as he defeated Richie Burnett 4-3 - with the 43-year-old having avoided a fightback from Kim Huybrechts in his previous game before this time having to hit back himself.
Burnett, the 1995 Lakeside Champion, had seemed set to soar into the last eight for the first time in a decade as he won the game's first set 3-1 and took the third and fourth to move within touching distance of victory.
White, though, hit back to win the next two sets 3-1 to level the contest before soaring through the decider without reply to reach his first World Championship quarter-final.
Earlier in the afternoon session, South Africa's Devon Petersen took a 4-1 win over Justin Pipe in the event's final second round game, earning himself a clash with James Wade on Saturday afternoon.
Petersen had defeated Malaysia's Mohammed Latif Sapup and former World Champion Steve Beaton to win through to the last 32, equalling his previous best Alexandra Palace success.
However, he secured a third round spot in style with some superb finishing against the number 11 seed.
Petersen came from 2-1 down to win the first set, after Pipe missed four darts at doubles for the lead, and then took the second without reply to double his advantage.
Pipe won the third set 3-0, but was left waiting on 36 in the deciding leg of set four as Petersen produced a killer blow by taking out 130 on the bull for a 3-1 cushion, before taking the fifth set to claim his third round spot - which he celebrated with his customary dance to delight the full house at Alexandra Palace.
The third round concludes on Saturday afternoon with the final three matches, which are kicked off by two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis' clash with Mervyn King.
Three-time semi-finalist James Wade then plays South African ace Devon Petersen before number two seed Michael van Gerwen, last year's runner-up, meets 2011 finalist Gary Anderson.
Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Friday December 27
Afternoon Session
Second Round Justin Pipe 1-4 Devon Petersen
Third Round Wes Newton 4-1 Robert Thornton
Richie Burnett 3-4 Ian White
Evening Session (7pm) Simon Whitlock 4-0 Kevin Painter
Michael Smith 3-4 Peter Wright
Mark Webster 4-3 Raymond van Barneveld
MATCH INFORMATION
DEVON PETERSEN 4-1 JUSTIN PIPE
(3-2, 3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
SOUTH AFRICA’S Devon Petersen reached the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship for the first time with a brilliant 4-1 victory over Justin Pipe. The 27-year-old from Mitchell's Plain, who defeated Malaysia's Mohammed Latif Sapup and former World Champion Steve Beaton in reaching the last 32, claimed another notable scalp in the shape of the world number 11 as the tournament resumed following the Christmas break.
Pipe started the game well to lead the first set 2-1, hitting a 13-darter in the opening leg only to miss four chances to wrap up the set in the fourth, which Petersen edged on double 14.
The South African Masters champion then produced a brilliant 12-dart leg to claim the set before hitting finishes of 121 and 96 to win the first two legs of the second set, hitting a maximum in both.
Petersen then went to win the set in the next leg to move two sets up, but that advantage was quickly reduced by Pipe, who stopped the rot as he won three straight legs to take the third set with ease.
Petersen made a good start to set four by taking the first two legs, but a missed dart at double seven to win the set proved costly as Pipe took out a 110 finish to win the third leg.
Pipe won the fourth and looked on course to level the match in the fifth as he left 36 after 12-darts, only for Petersen to take out a fantastic 130 checkout on the bullseye to move himself 3-1 up in the match.
The first two legs of the fifth set went against throw before Petersen hit double 11 to edge 2-1 up and move a leg away from victory, and he showed now nerves in crossing the winning line by landing double 18 to end Pipe’s hopes.
Match Information First Set
1-0 - Pipe starts well as he hits double top for a 13-dart finish.
1-1 - Petersen holds throw on double 16 after Pipe misses two chances to break.
2-1 - Pipe hits a clinical two-dart 70 finish to edge ahead.
2-2 - Pipe fails with four opportunities to wrap up the set, and Petersen capitalises by hitting double 14 at the first attempt.
2-3 - Petersen produces good scoring to leave 68 after 12 darts, and takes that finish out on double 16 to claim the set.
Second Set
0-1 - Petersen hits the first 180 of the game, only for Pipe to reply with a maximum of his own, but the South African wins the leg by taking out a 121 checkout on the bullseye.
0-2 - The South African breaks his opponent's throw with a fine 96 finish to complete a 12-darter.
0-3 - Pipe misses one dart at double top, which gives Petersen an opportunity at the same double - and he duly converts to establish a two-set lead.
Third Set
1-0 - Pipe holds throw on double 16 to win his first leg in six.
2-0 - Petersen takes command of the leg by hitting a third 180, only to miss three darts at double 12. Pipe takes advantage of that slip from the South African by taking out 68 in two darts.
3-0 - Pipe hits double top to win the set comfortably and halve the gap.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Petersen holds throw on double 16 for an excellent 14-darter.
0-2 - The South African hits double 16 for the second successive leg to complete a 62 finish.
1-2 - Petersen just misses double seven for a 122 finish, to win the set, and the number 11 seed converts a 110 checkout.
2-2 - Pipe takes out a 90 finish in two darts to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Pipe looks on course to win the set as he leaves 36 after 12 darts, but Petersen stuns his opponent with a brilliant 130 checkout on the bullseye.
Fifth Set
0-1 - Petersen hits double 12 for a 13-dart finish to break his opponent's throw.
1-1 - One missed dart at tops for a 114 finish from the South African proves expensive as the Taunton ace takes out 76 on double four to draw level.
1-2 - Petersen hits double 11 with a pressure third dart, with Pipe waiting on double six, to move a leg away from victory.
1-3 - The South African hits double 18 at the fourth attempt to close out the game.
Match Stats
| Justin Pipe | 1-4 | Devon Petersen |
| 33 | 100+ | 35 |
| 15 | 140+ | 17 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 3 |
| 93.00 | Average | 95.18 |
| 110 | High Finish | 130 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 8/17 - 47.06% | Finishing - % | 12/24 - 50% |
WES NEWTON 4-1 ROBERT THORNTON
(3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1)
WES NEWTON reached the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship quarter-finals for a third time with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Robert Thornton. The world number eight edged a tight opening set to take an early lead before claiming the next five legs to establish total command of the game in moving a leg away from a three-set lead.
Thornton, though, won the next three legs to take the third set, but his hopes of a recovery were extinguished as Newton powered through to the last eight by taking six of the next seven legs.
The first set proved to be a tight affair which saw the first four legs shared against the throw, before a tense decider saw Thornton miss three chances to win the set to allow Newton in to hit double ten with his third dart.
Newton kicked on to the win next five legs in a row and move within touching distance of three-set lead, before Thornton stopped the rot to win the next two with a 136 checkout, followed by a 62 finish to level the third set at two-all.
The Scot then won the set in the decider, thanks to a 76 finish, but Newton recovered brilliantly to win the fourth set without reply, which included legs of 13 and 14 darts to restore his lead.
The first two legs of the fifth set fell the way of Newton, as he moved a leg away from victory, before Thornton hit double top for a 68 finish to keep his hopes alive.
However, Newton swiftly ended the contest the next leg after hitting double four for a 14-dart finish, to confirm Thornton’s exit.
Match Information First Set
1-0 - Both players hit 180s before Thornton misses two chances at double top, and Newton hits the same double to break throw.
1-1 - Thornton hits back as he hits double ten to draw level.
2-1 - Newton hits double top to break again, after Thornton failed to set up a shot at double when attempting to complete a 49 finish.
2-2 - Thornton hits a second maximum before taking out a 90 finish.
3-2 - Newton hits double ten with his third dart to edge a tight set, after Thornton wastes three chances to move ahead.
Second Set
1-0 - Newton takes out a 75 finish to hold throw in a leg that included a 180 from the Fleetwood ace.
2-0 - Newton breaks Thornton's throw to take command of the set.
3-0 - The world number eight hits double to win the set, after his opponent missed the same double for a 101 finish.
Third Set
1-0 - Thornton hits a 180 but a missed darts at tops sees Newton land double ten to win a fifth leg in a row.
2-0 - Newton hits double 16 to increase his lead.
2-1 - Newton fires in a third 180 only for the Thornton to reply with his fourth before taking out a brilliant 136 checkout to stop the rot.
2-2 - Thornton takes out a 62 finish on double 16.
2-3 - Thornton converts a 76 finish, on double top, to claim the set with Newton waiting on 67 for a three-set lead.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Newton hits double top at the first attempt to record a 13-darter.
2-0 - The number eight seed hits a brilliant 171 to leave double top, which he hits to break throw.
3-0 - Newton hits a fifth 180 and, despite Thornton landing a maximum of his own, Newton hits double top to regain his two-set advantage.
Fifth Set
1-0 - Newton adds another 180 to his tally, but two missed darts to break gives Thornton a chance. However, the Scot fails with two attempts at tops and Newton returns to hit double one.
2-0 - Newton moves a leg away from triumph thanks to an accurate attempt at double eight.
2-1 - Thornton hits double top to convert a 68 finish.
3-1 - Newton is just off-target on the bullseye for a 170 checkout, but returns to hit double four to end the contest.
Match Stats
| Wes Newton | 4-1 | Robert Thornton |
| 17 | 100+ | 30 |
| 14 | 140+ | 14 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 6 | 180 | 5 |
| 95.51 | Average | 91.74 |
| 83 | High Finish | 136 |
| 7 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 14/30 - 46.67% | Finishing - % | 6/21 - 28.57% |
IAN WHITE 4-3 RICHIE BURNETT
(1-3, 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0)
IAN WHITE came back brilliantly from a 3-1 deficit to knock out popular Welshman Richie Burnett in a thrilling last 16 encounter at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship. Burnett looked set for a first quarter-final appearance in the World Championship in 11 years after edging the fourth set to move 3-1 up.
However, White - who has defeated Kyle Anderson and Kim Huybrechts in opening two games - produced a superb comeback as he won nine of the next 11 legs to claim a quarter-final place.
The first two legs where shared, which featured a 125 checkout from White in the second, before Burnett recorded a 12-darter to edge ahead.
Burnett then won the first set on double 18 before White drew to level to win the second by a 3-1 margin, which included a superb 128 checkout on the bullseye in the third leg.
The 1995 World Champion hit back superbly as he took the third set without reply, with the aid 68 and 64 finishes, followed by a clinical 13-darter, to move 2-1 up.
The fourth set went all the way to a deciding leg, which Burnett claimed on double eight to move two sets clear, before the Stoke ace won the fifth 3-1, to remain in the hunt.
White took the first two legs of the sixth set to establish a good advantage, hitting a 111 finish in the opening leg, before Burnett won the third on double top with White waiting on double 14 to win the set.
White took his good form of the sixth set into the decider as he took the first leg with a 101 finish, before hitting double eight to move a leg away from victory, which he sealed in the next leg on tops.
Match Information First Set
1-0 - Burnett hits a 180 before stealing the leg on double ten, after White failed with five attempts at double 16.
1-1 - White lands a brilliant 125 checkout, after Burnett missed three chances at double 16.
2-1 - Burnett hits an 81 finish to complete an excellent 12-darter.
3-1 - White hits a 180 but misses his chance to punish two misses from Burnett at double 18, allowing the Welshman back to take the set.
Second Set
1-0 - The Welshman starts the second set well by holding throw on double ten.
1-1 - White posts a third 180 before landing double 16 to draw level.
1-2 - The Stoke ace completes a brilliant 128 checkout on the bullseye.
1-3 - White lands double four to convert a 64 finish to draw level.
Third Set
1-0 - Burnett converts a clinical two-dart 68 finish to break his opponent's throw.
2-0 - The Welshman hits double 16 to complete a 64 finish.
3-0 - Burnett hits double top to complete a fine 13-darter.
Fourth Set
0-1 - The winning double proves elusive as both players miss four opportunities, before White lands double four with his third dart.
1-1 - White leaves 40 after 12 darts, but wastes three opportunities to win the leg, which Burnett claims on double 16.
2-1 - Burnett takes out a fine 61 finish on double top, with his opponent waiting on 32.
2-2 - White holds throw on double 16 to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Burnett holds his nerve to hit double eight with an accurate third dart.
Fifth Set
0-1 - White lands double 16 to convert a 70 finish.
0-2 - The Stoke ace breaks Burnett's throw with an excellent 14-darter.
1-2 - White misses a dart at bullseye to win the set, and Burnett takes advantage by hitting double 16.
1-3 - White wastes three chances to win the set, only for Burnett to do the same and allow the number 21 seed to return and hit double eight.
Sixth Set
0-1 - White takes out a 111 finish after Burnett was just off-target on double 19.
0-2 - The world number 21 hits double top at the first attempt to increase his advantage.
1-2 - White applies pressure on his opponent with a 180 to leave 28, but Burnett keeps his composure to hit double top at the first time of asking.
1-3 - The Stoke ace starts the leg with back-to-back 140s, before winning the set on double four, for a 13-dart finish.
Seventh Set
0-1 - White takes the lead for the first time thanks to a clinical 101 finish, on double top.
0-2 - Double eight completes a brilliant 13-darter from White, as he wins the leg against the darts.
0-3 - White completes a superb win as he hits double top to progress to the last eight.
Match Stats
| Richie Burnett | 3-4 | Ian White |
| 33 | 100+ | 47 |
| 27 | 140+ | 14 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 6 |
| 95.83 | Average | 95.92 |
| 81 | High Finish | 128 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 7 |
| 12/33 - 36.36% | Finishing - % | 15/40 - 37.50% |
EVENING SESSION
SIMON WHITLOCK 4-0 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-2, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
SIMON WHITLOCK produced a convincing display to see off 2004 runner-up Kevin Painter in just 37 minutes and reach the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship. The former European Champion dropped just four legs during the contest and is the only player remaining who has yet to drop a set in the three matches he has played in this competition.
Whitlock made the better start as he won the first two legs before Painter hit back to win the next two, including an 85 finish in the fourth, after the Australian wasted two chances to win the set.
Whitlock, who enjoyed comfortable wins over Ross Smith and Jarkko Komula in the first two rounds, hit a 180 in the deciding leg before converting an 80 finish, on double top, to wrap up the opening set.
The 2004 runner-up made a winning to start to the second set by taking the first leg, before Whitlock hit back to win the next three, including an excellent 14-darter to break throw in the third, to leave his opponent two sets down.
Painter dropped the first leg of the third set after missing four darts at doubles, and the next two legs also fell the way of the Australian number one as he extended his winning run of legs to six.
Painter replied to win the first leg of the fourth set, but lost the next two, including missing four chances to regain the lead in the third as Whitlock moved a leg away from the victory, which he sealed on double eight in the next to complete a comprehensive win.
Match Information First Set
1-0 - Whitlock misses double top for a 115 finish, before Painter is off-target on the bullseye for a 161 checkout, allowing the 2010 finalist to return and hit tops to hold throw.
2-0 - The Australian hits a 180 before landing double 16 at the first attempt to complete a 14-darter.
2-1 - Painter hits double eight to win the third leg against the darts.
2-2 - Whitlock hits two 180s but two missed opportunities at doubles to win the set prove the prove expensive, as Painter hits double top for an 86 finish.
3-2 - Whitlock adds another 180 to his tally before converting an 80 finish, on double top, to win the set.
Second Set
0-1 - Painter hits double two to hold throw, in a leg which features a 180 from the Daventry-based thrower.
1-1 - The number four seed hits double top to draw level.
2-1 - Whitlock posts a fifth maximum before landing double eight, for a 14-dart-finish, to break throw.
3-1 - Whitlock just misses double 18 for a 144 checkout, but returns to hit double nine to establish a two-set cushion.
Third Set
1-0 - Whitlock holds throw on double eight to win a fourth leg in a row.
2-0 - Painter is guilty of wasting four chances to level and Whitlock hits double four to break.
3-0 - One missed dart at double top from Painter sees Whitlock hit double six to win the set.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Painter misses further chances at doubles only for Whitlock to miss two darts of his own to win a seventh straight leg, allowing the former Players Championship Finals winner to stop the rot by hitting double one with his final dart.
1-1 - Whitlock levels by hitting double top for a solid 15-darter.
2-1 - The winning double proves elusive for both players before Whitlock breaks throw on double three, to move a leg away from victory.
3-1 - Painter hits a 180 with what proves to his last three darts of the tournament as Whitlock hits double eight to end the contest.
Match Stats
| Simon Whitlock | 4-0 | Kevin Painter |
| 22 | 100+ | 17 |
| 8 | 140+ | 7 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 2 |
| 92.96 | Average | 86.38 |
| 80 | High Finish | 86 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 12/32 - 37.50% | Finishing - % | 4/21 - 19.05% |
PETER WRIGHT 4-3 MICHAEL SMITH
(3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
PETER WRIGHT overcame World Youth Champion Michael Smith with a thrilling 4-3 triumph in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship. Smith, who created shockwaves around the darting world with his sensational win over reigning champion Phil Taylor in the second round, came from a set down to lead 2-1 and also movd 3-2 up as he took out a fabulous 136 checkout to win the fifth set.
Wright, though, recovered to win six of the next seven legs to pull through to reach his first World Championship quarter-final, and will now play Wes Newton for a place in the last four.
Both players traded 14-darters at the start of the match, before Wright edged ahead by taking the third leg, after Smith wasted four darts at doubles.
The St Helens ace then won the fourth leg in 13 darts to level, only for Wright to reply in kind with a 13-dart finish of his own to take the first set.
Smith hit finishes of 74 and 118 to take a 2-0 lead in the second set, before Wright hit back to win the next two legs, landing a fantastic 161 checkout to break throw in the third.
The deciding leg saw Smith leave 40 after 12 darts, and he held his nerve with an accurate third dart at double top to level the game, with his opponent waiting on 45 for a two-set lead.
The first two legs of set three were shared, which included a 136 checkout from Wright in the second, before Smith edged ahead with an 84 finish.
Wright levelled with a 15-darter, but Smith held his throw in the decider by converting a 70 finish to edge 2-1 up.
The fourth set fell into a similar pattern of the previous three, as it also went to a deciding leg - and Wright opened with two 140s against the throw before taking out 116 to square the contest.
Wright then won the first leg of the fifth set, before Smith won the next two, taking out a 60 finish in the third after Wright missed two chances at double 12.
The fourth leg proved to be a brilliant one from both players as Smith kicked off with a 180 before Wright hit back-to-back maximums to leave 41, only to see the St Helens youngster take out a fantastic 136 checkout to win the set in brilliant style and lead the game 3-2.
Wright replied to take the first two legs of set six before Smith converted an 88 finish to win the third and keep the set alive.
The number 16 seed, though, won the set with an 82 finish in the next leg, and kept that form up in the final set, as finishes of 95 and 84 saw Wright move a leg away from victory.
Smith hit a tenth 180 as he fought back in leg three, but scores of 140, 140 and 105 from Wright saw him pull clear, and an accurate attempt at double ten sealed a memorable win.
Match Information First Set
0-1 - Wright hits double six to complete a confident 14-dart finish.
1-1 - Smith lands double 12 for a 14-darter of his own.
1-2 - The St Helens wastes four darts at double top to break, allowing Wright to edge ahead on double nine.
2-2 - Smith hits double top to record a fine 13-darter.
2-3 - Wright hits a brillant 165 score to leave 24, which he takes out at the first attempt to edge a high-quality opening set.
Second Set
1-0 - Smith takes out a 74 finish on double top, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
2-0 - One missed dart at double 16 proves expensive for Wright, as Smith hits a clinical 118 finish.
2-1 - Wright breaks throw in superb fashion with a 161 checkout.
2-2 - The number 16 seed takes out eight, for a solid 15-dart finish.
3-2 - Smith hits double top thanks to an accurate third dart, with Wright waiting on 45.
Third Set
1-0 - Wright hits a 180 but proceeds to miss three chances to win the leg, allowing Smith to break throw on double top.
1-1 - Wright recovers well from the mistakes of the previous leg with a fantastic 136 checkout.
2-1 - Smith hits a third maximum before taking out an 84 finish on double six.
2-2 - Wright starts leg with a 180, before landing double four with his third dart.
3-2 - Wright hits a 134 to leave 32, but the St Helens youngster shows great composure to convert a 70 finish on double eight for the set.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Smith holds throw thanks to an accurate third dart at double five.
1-1 - Wright lands double 16, to record an excellent 14-darter.
2-1 - Smith posts a fourth 180 before taking out an 87 finish on double nine.
2-2 - Wright hits double 16 to force a deciding leg for the fourth set running.
2-3 - Smith holds advantage of throw but Wright kicks-off the leg with two 140 scores to take command. Smith leaves 62 after 12 darts, but Wright takes out a 116 finish to level.
Fifth Set
0-1 - Wright holds throw on double four to edge ahead.
1-1 - Smith wastes three chances to level, only for Wright to miss two darts of his own at doubles, allowing his opponent to hit double ten and draw level.
2-1 - Smith hits back-to-back 180s and takes out 60 in two darts, after Wright misses two darts at double 12.
3-1 - The St Helens ace hits a 180 but that effort is bettered by Wright as he lands two of his own to leave 41 - but Smith produces a brilliant 136 checkout to stun his opponent and claim the set.
Sixth Set
0-1 - The brilliance of the previous leg eludes both players as Wright misses four darts at doubles, only for Smith to fail with five chances in allowing his opponent back in to take the leg on double two.
0-2 - Wright holds throw on double 16 to take command of the set.
1-2 - Smith hits double 14 to convert an 88 finish.
1-3 - Smith posts a 180 but Wright wraps up the set in style with a clinical two-dart 82 finish.
Seventh Set
0-1 - Wright hits double 16 to convert a 95 finish.
0-2 - One missed dart at tops for a 116 finish is costly for Smith, as Wright takes out 84 in two darts.
0-3 - Smith hits a tenth 180 but scores of 140, 140, 105 see Wright pull ahead, and though he misses one dart at tops for a 116 finish he has enough cushion to return and hit double ten.
Match Stats
| Michael Smith | 3-4 | Peter Wright |
| 35 | 100+ | 59 |
| 19 | 140+ | 24 |
| 3 | 170+ | 1 |
| 10 | 180 | 7 |
| 98.33 | Average | 105.07 |
| 136 | High Finish | 161 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 14/39 - 35.90% | Finishing - % | 17/44 - 38.64% |
MARK WEBSTER 4-3 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
(2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 3-0)
RESURGENT Mark Webster ended Raymond van Barneveld's hopes in the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a battling 4-3 victory in the third round. The game was finely balanced at two sets apiece before van Barneveld produced excellent form in the fifth set, winning it without reply, to move ahead for a third time.
Two-time Ally Pally semi-finalist Webster, though, hit back brilliantly as he won the next six legs without reply to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament for first time since the 2011 Players Championship Finals.
The first set fell the way of van Barneveld, who hit double 18 to take the deciding leg after Webster had earlier wasted five opportunities to take the lead.
The second set also went the full distance as Webster posted tops to level the contest, after van Barneveld missed one dart at the same bed to move two sets clear.
Van Barneveld, who edged out Jamie Caven by a 4-3 margin in the previous round, won the third set with the aid of finishes of 86, 96, and 110 as he moved ahead for a second time.
The fourth set went to deciding leg which saw both players post maximums before Webster added another to leave 101, and he took out the finish on double 19 to level the game at two sets apiece.
The five-time World Champion sped up his rhythm in the fifth to great effect, as he won the first two legs with finishes of 12 and 13 darts, before a 120 checkout in the third saw van Barneveld lead the match for the third time.
However, from that point on van Barneveld failed to win a leg, as Webster won the next six without reply to romp through the final two sets, hitting two 13-darters before a 68 checkout completed a brilliant win over the great Dutchman.
Match Information First Set
1-0 - Webster breaks van Barneveld's throw on double ten.
1-1 - van Barneveld hits back with an excellent 14-darter, which featured a 180 from the Dutch ace.
2-1 - The number ten seed hits a 180 to take command but goes on to miss five darts at doubles, allowing Webster to step in on double ten.
2-2 - Winning double proves to be a struggle for both players, as Webster fails with five attempts to win the set and van Barneveld levels on double two.
2-3 - van Barneveld hits double 18 at the first attempt to edge the opening set.
Second Set
1-0 - Webster holds throw on double ten to make a positive start to the set.
1-1 - One missed dart at double top for a 101 finish from Webster sees van Barneveld level on double eight.
2-1 - Webster misses two chances to regain the before van Barneveld is off-target with his attempt at double 16, and the left-hander regains the lead by hitting double ten.
2-2 - van Barneveld hits double eight to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - The Dutchman misses a dart at tops to increase his lead, and Webster hits the middle of the double top bed to level the contest.
Third Set
0-1 - van Barneveld holds throw with a clinical two-dart 86 finish.
1-1 - Webster takes out a two-dart 79 finish to draw level.
1-2 - van Barneveld starts the leg with a 180 before rounding it off with a two-dart 96 finish, after Webster just missed with an attempt at bullseye.
1-3 - The five-time World Champion takes out a 110 finish, on double 18, to lead the match for a second time.
Fourth Set
0-1 - van Barneveld breaks throw with a clinical 77 finish, with Webster waiting on 24.
1-1 - Webster hits back thanks to an accurate third dart at double four, after van Barneveld missed one dart at tops to win a fourth leg in a row.
2-1 - The Welshman misses five chances to win the leg, before finding the double ten bed with his last dart.
2-2 - van Barneveld hits double 16 at the first time of asking to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - A dramatic fifth leg sees both players record 180s before Webster adds another maximum and takes out a 101 finish, on double 19, to square the game at two sets apiece.
Fifth Set
0-1 - van Barneveld hits two maximums in a brilliant 12-darter.
0-2 - The Dutchman breaks his opponent's throw on double top, for a clinical 13-dart finish.
0-3 - van Barneveld defies Webster's fifth 180 with a fine 120 finish to take the set and move back ahead.
Sixth Set
1-0 - Webster converts a 60 finish, after van Barneveld posts an eighth 180.
2-0 - The Welshman breaks throw with a fine 13-darter, after van Barneveld misses the bullseye for a 126 checkout.
3-0 - Webster fails with two chances to win the set, but van Barneveld is unable to hit double top for an 80 finish to allow the Welshman to return to hit double ten and force a deciding set for the third successive game.
Seventh Set
1-0 - van Barneveld misses double top for a 102 finish, and Webster hits double 11 to break throw.
2-0 - Webster hits double ten for a 13-darter after van Barneveld just misses the bullseye for a 130 checkout.
3-0 - van Barneveld leaves 40 after 12 darts, but Webster takes out 68 on double top to claim a brilliant win.
Match Stats
| Mark Webster | 4-3 | Raymond van Barneveld |
| 38 | 100+ | 32 |
| 17 | 140+ | 13 |
| 0 | 170+ | 3 |
| 6 | 180 | 8 |
| 92.48 | Average | 94.82 |
| 101 | High Finish | 120 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 15/43 - 34.88% | Finishing - % | 13/35 - 37.14% |
