PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 11

JAMES WADE produced a stirring comeback from three sets down as he edged out Andy Smith in a seven-set thriller at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Monday, as Adrian Lewis and Mervyn King set up a tasty third round clash at Alexandra Palace with victories.
World number six Wade, a three-time World Championship semi-finalist, again showed his class under the most extreme pressure as he stared defeat in the face for a second successive round before emerging victorious.

The left-hander had seen Darren Webster miss six match darts in their first round clash, and this time punished Smith for two wasted opportunities to take victory in a dramatic deciding set of their game.

Smith had produced some superb finishing as he won the game's first three sets, twice a set in a deciding leg and also hitting a 161 finish in taking the second set 3-1.

Wade hit back to win the fourth set 3-1 and repeated the scoreline in the fifth, before claiming the deciding leg of set six to send the match all the way.

Smith took a 2-1 lead in the final set, only to miss two match darts at double 16 to allow Wade to hit tops to level and keep the game alive, before finishing 122 on the bull and 100 with two double tops to complete a gutsy fightback.

Two-time World Champion Lewis posted the highest average of the tournament so far at 103.68 in a superb 4-1 win over Vincent van der Voort.

The Stoke star, seeded third for the event, produced a stunning 146 finish to win the deciding leg of the game's opening set before sweeping through the second without reply.

Van der Voort produced some fine darts to win set three 3-0, hitting legs of 13 and 14 darts in the process, but saw his chance to level the contest in the fourth snatched away as Lewis followed up an 11-darter earlier in the set by taking out 112 for a 12-dart leg in the decider.

Lewis then took out 125 to lead with another 12-darter in the fifth set, and took his tally of 180s for the match to nine as he moved 2-1 up before finishing 85 to complete the win.

Former semi-finalist King booked his place in the third round against Lewis with a 4-2 victory over youngster Ricky Evans in a quick-fire contest.

After King took the first set 3-1, Evans landed a 138 finish in edging the second in a deciding leg to level, before the Norfolk ace - a two-time Lakeside Championship finalist - won the third set in a fifth leg.

Evans again hit back to level the game, taking the fourth set without reply in a brilliant set, which included a showpiece 125 finish of bullseye, outer bull and bullseye.

King raised his game to win the fifth set 3-0, and though the World Youth Championship finalist finished 120 to lead 2-1 in the sixth, the number 14 seed took the next two legs to seal his last 16 spot.

The Ladbrokes World Darts Championship resumes on Friday following a three-day break for Christmas, with only one second round game yet to be played as Justin Pipe takes on Devon Petersen in the opener.

The third round then begins as Wes Newton meets Robert Thornton in a clash of the players seeded eight and nine before Richie Burnett plays Ian White in Friday's final afternoon session game.

The evening session sees World Youth Champion Michael Smith, who knocked out reigning champion Phil Taylor in the second round, taking on Peter Wright, former World Champions Mark Webster and Raymond van Barneveld meeting and Simon Whitlock's clash with Kevin Painter.



Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Monday December 23
James Wade 4-3 Andy Smith
Mervyn King 4-2 Ricky Evans
Adrian Lewis 4-1 Vincent van der Voort

All games the best of seven sets, best of five legs per set

MATCH INFORMATION
JAMES WADE 4-3 ANDY SMITH
(2-3, 1-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2)
JAMES WADE came through a major scare for the second successive game to come from three sets down to defeat Andy Smith 4-3 in the last 32 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Wade fell three sets down and survived two missed match darts from his opponent in the fourth leg of the deciding set, before coming through 4-2 in the tie-break.

The first two legs of the match were shared before Wade broke throw with a fine 13-darter, only for Smith to hit back to win the fourth leg in 12 darts.

The set's deciding leg saw Smith miss two chances to win the set, only for Wade to miss two attempts at double 12 for a 1-0 lead, to allow his opponent to return and hit double four.

Wade won the first leg of the second with an excellent 103 finish, only for Smith to hit back and win the next three legs to take the set, with that run featuring a fantastic 161 checkout to break throw.

Smith held a 2-1 advantage in set three before Wade drew level on double ten, only to agonisingly miss the same double in the decider for a 128 checkout, allowing the Studley ace a shot at double 12 for a 3-0 lead, which he duly converted.

Wade dropped the opening leg of the fourth set but won the next three, hitting a 13-darter in the third leg, before sealing the set with a 68 finish to hit back.

The three-time semi-finalist broke throw at the start of the fifth by hitting double 18, but failed to convert that advantage as Smith finished a 15-darter to level.

Wade edged ahead once again by taking out a 78 finish to win the third leg, before closing out the set in the next.

The first two legs of the sixth set were shared before Wade hit double 11 to edge ahead after Smith missed double eight for a 96 finish.

Wade missed double top to win the set in the next, allowing Smith to edge the leg on the same double, before the world number six won the deciding leg to force a seventh set.

Smith moved 2-1 up in the decider as he moved a leg away from victory for a second time, but two attempts to win the match on double 16 went begging, and Wade hit double top to stay in the game.

After avoiding that narrow escape, Wade then landed checkouts of 122 and 100 - completed with two double tops - to secure his place in the third round.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Smith hits double top to hold throw with Wade waiting on a two-darter.
1-1 - Wade hits his favourite double ten for a 14-dart finish.
2-1 - The world number six breaks Smith's throw by hitting tops for a 13-darter.
2-2 - Smith hits back well as he posts a 180 before landing double eight to complete a 12-dart finish.
2-3 - Wade throws first in the decider but that advantage is wrestled away by Smith, who hits a 180. However, the number 27 seed fails with two chances to win the set only for Wade to miss two attempts at double 12 and allow his opponent to edge the set on double four.

Second Set
1-0 - Wade takes out a 103 finish on double 16, in a leg which featured a 174 score from Smith.
1-1 - Smith levels by hitting double eight with his first dart.
1-2 - Smith breaks throw with a fantastic 161 checkout.
1-3 - The number 27 seed hits double ten to leave Wade trailing by two sets.

Third Set
1-0 - Smith misses two chances to hold throw and those errors are punished by Wade, who takes out a 74 finish.
1-1 - Smith hits double 16 for a 62 finish.
1-2 - Wade posts a 180 but Smith wins the leg on double five with an accurate third dart.
2-2 - The seven-time major champion lands double ten, with Smith waiting on 40.
2-3 - Wade fires in a second maximum but wires double ten for 128 checkout, and Smith keeps his composure to take out 56 and move further ahead.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Wade holds throw on double five to make a positive start to the set.
1-1 - Wade is off-target on double top for a 160 checkout, allowing Smith to hit the same double and draw level.
2-1 - Wade hits an excellent 174 to leave 32, which he takes out at the first attempt on double 16 for a 13-darter.
3-1 - The number six seed takes out a 68 finish to reduce the deficit by winning his first set of the game.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Wade misses two attempts at double 18 but gets a reprieve after Smith is unable to land double 16 for a 94 finish, and the left-hander returns to hit double 18 and break throw.
1-1 - Smith hits a 180 in the process of the leaving 32 after 12 darts, before hitting double eight to break back.
2-1 - Wade takes out a 78 finish on double top to break his opponent's throw for the second time in the set.
3-1 - Wade hits a fourth 180 before hitting double top at the first time of asking to cut the gap to one set.

Sixth Set
1-0 - Wade hits double ten at the first attempt to hold throw.
1-1 - Smith confidently takes out a two-dart 70 finish, on double eight.
2-1 - Wade hits double 11 after Smith misses a dart at double eight for a 96 finish.
2-2 - Smith misses a dart at tops only for Wade to miss one chance at the same double to win the set, and the Studley ace lands double ten to move a leg away from the match.
3-2 - Wade hits double top at the first attempt to set up a final set.

Seventh Set
0-1 - Smith hits the corner of the double 18 bed to hold throw.
1-1 - Smith posts a 180 but Wade wins the leg by taking out 56 in two darts on double top.
1-2 - Wade is unable to set up a double for a 100 finsh and Smith hits double eight to move a leg away from victory once again.
2-2 - Smith hits a brilliant 180 to leave 42 after nine darts, but fails with two nervy attempts at double 16 and Wade stays alive by hitting tops.
3-2 - Wade converts an excellent 122 checkout on the bullseye to move ahead in the set.
4-2 - The number six seed ends the game with a clinical 100 checkout, featuring two double tops, as he completes a brilliant fightback.

Match Stats

James Wade	4-3	Andy Smith
53	100+	44
19	140+	24
1	170+	1
5	180	6
91.86	Average	90.04
122	High Finish	161
6	Breaks of Throw	4
18/32 - 56.25%	Finishing - %	15/33 - 45.45%

MERVYN KING 4-2 RICKY EVANS
(3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 3-2)
MERVYN KING ended the brave challenge of youngster Ricky Evans with a 4-2 victory in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The match was finely balanced at two apiece before King moved 3-2 ahead, winning the fifth set comfortably, and then produced a timely run of form to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the sixth set to progress to the last 16.

King won the opening set by a 3-1 margin, which featured a 110 checkout in the first leg, before Evans edged the second in a tense deciding leg, after King missed two chances to double his lead.

King opened up a 2-1 lead in the third set before Evans responded with a solid 15-dart finish, only for King to hold throw in the decider on double top.

Evans, though, stormed back to win the fourth set and level at two apiece, with the run including a brilliant 125 checkout of bullseye, outer bull and bullseye in the second leg.

King responded well and stopped Evans in his tracks by taking the fifth without reply, to move ahead for the third time in the match.

Evans led the sixth set 2-1, thanks to a 120 finish in the third leg, before King found form with a 14-darter to win the fourth leg and a trio of 140 scores in the decider before hitting double 13 to win the match.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - King hits a clinical 110 finish to start the game after Evans misses his chance to break throw.
1-1 - Evans hits double ten to draw level.
2-1 - The Kettering youngster hits a 180, but misses a dart at the bullseye for a 122 finish allows King take out a 62 finish.
3-1 - Evans wastes four opportunities to set up a deciding leg and King hits double eight to draw first blood.

Second Set
0-1 - Evans takes out a two-dart 60 finish on double top.
0-2 - The 23-year-old takes out a brilliant 138 checkout to break throw.
1-2 - Evans misses a dart at tops to win the set, allowing King to edge the leg and break back.
2-2 - King hits double four to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Evans posts a fourth 180, but a missed dart at double top gives King a chance for a 2-0 lead. However, the 2009 semi-finalist fails with two attempts at doubles and Evans hold his nerve to hit double ten with a pressure third dart.

Third Set
1-0 - Both players struggle to find the winning double before King hits double five to hold throw.
1-1 - Evans takes out a 62 finish to draw level.
2-1 - King hits double two to edge ahead again.
2-2 - High scoring from Evans sees him leave 40 after 12 darts, before hitting double top with his third dart.
3-2 - King takes command of the leg as he kicks off with two 140s before taking the set on double top.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Evans takes out a 70 finish to make a positive start to the set.
0-2 - The Kettering ace converts a brilliant 125 checkout, courtesy of bullseye, outer bull and a second bullseye.
0-3 - Evans completes an excellent set of darts with a clinical 79 finish on double top.

Fifth Set
1-0 - King hits double eight for a 14-dart-finish.
2-0 - The number 14 seed secures a break of throw, as he hits double eight for a second leg running to take out a 67 finish.
3-0 - King posts his sixth 180 of the game before hitting double 12 to edge ahead for a third time.

Sixth Set
0-1 - Evans hits double top to record a 13-darter.
1-1 - King takes out a 98 finish on double 16 to draw level.
1-2 - Evans hits a ninth 180 and follows that with a clinical 120 finish.
2-2 - King holds throw on double 18 to win the leg in 13 darts.
3-2 - King finds form at the perfect time with a trio of 140 scores before hitting double 13 to seal victory.

Match Stats

Mervyn King	4-0	Ricky Evans
30	100+	29
23	140+	13
0	170+	0
6	180	9
94.81	Average	94.40
110	High Finish	138
4	Breaks of Throw	2
14/36 - 38.89%	Finishing - %	11/30 - 36.67%

ADRIAN LEWIS 4-1 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(3-2, 3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1)
ADRIAN LEWIS produced a brilliant display to dismiss Vincent van der Voort in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 triumph as he hit the first ton-plus average of this year's event.

Lewis fell 2-1 down in the opening set before recording a 104 finish to win the fourth leg before taking the fifth with a brilliant 146 checkout to claim the set.

Lewis then won the second without reply, only for van der Voort to reply in kind by taking the third set, which included an excellent 14-darter in the third leg.

The world number three established a 2-0 lead in the fourth set, hitting an 11-darter in the second leg, only for van der Voort to win the next two and draw level.

Lewis, though, won the set with a 112 finish to restore his two-set cushion, before taking out a 125 checkout to start the fifth set in style.

The second leg also fell the way of the Stoke ace before van der Voort took out a two-dart 67 finish to keep his hopes alive.

The fourth leg saw van der Voort miss one dart at double 12 for a 93 finish, and Lewis closed out the game by taking out 85 on double five.

“Vincent played brilliantly tonight and I’m delighted to have come through with a 4-1 win,” said the two-time World Champion, whose 103.68 average is the highest of this year's tournament so far.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Lewis misses one dart at tops to break and van der Voort hits the same double to lead.
1-1 - The world number three levels as he converts an 84 finish on the bullseye.
1-2 - van der Voort defies a 180 from his opponent by landing double 16 with his third dart.
2-2 - Both players record maximums before Lewis hits a 104 finish.
3-2 - Lewis wins the set with a fantastic 146 checkout.

Second Set
1-0 - Both players posts 180s before Lewis hits a 74 finish.
2-0 - Maximums are again record by both players, before Lewis breaks throw on double nine after van der Voort misses three chances to hold.
3-0 - Lewis hits a clinical 13-dart finish to move two sets clear.

Third Set
0-1 - van der Voort holds throw to make a positive start to set three.
0-2 - The Dutchman lands double five with his third dart, capitalising on three missed darts at doubles from his opponent.
0-3 - van der Voort hits a 177 score to leave 24, which he takes out on double six to reduce his arrears.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Lewis wastes two chances to win the leg before returning to hit double six, after van der Voort misses one dart at the bullseye.
2-0 - van der Voort starts the leg with a 180 before Lewis replies with one his own, and the Stoke ace adds a 171 score before hitting double eight for a superb 11-dart finish.
2-1 - The Dutchman hits double top at the first attempt to keep the set alive.
2-2 - van der Voort lands double 16 for a 14-darter to draw level.
3-2 - Lewis holds throw with a clinical 112 finish to restore his two-set advantage.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Lewis hits a seventh maximum before taking out a 125 finish to win the leg against the darts.
2-0 - The number three seed hits double ten to go a leg away from victory, hitting another 180 in the process.
2-1 - van der Voort keeps his hopes alive as he takes out a two-dart 67 finish.
3-1 - The Dutchman fails to land double 12 for an 83 finish, and Lewis takes out 85 on double five to round-off a fine performance.

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis	4-1	Vincent van der Voort
23	100+	27
14	140+	12
2	170+	2
9	180	5
103.68	Average	99.47
146	High Finish	67
4	Breaks of Throw	2
12/26 - 46.15%	Finishing - %	8/18 - 44.44%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 10

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN hit 11 maximums as he overcame the challenge of Kevin McDine at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Sunday night, as Mark Webster stared defeat in the face before seeing off John Henderson.
Dutch superstar van Gerwen, last year's beaten finalist at Alexandra Palace, continued his bid to win the £250,000 first prize this time around with a 4-1 win over McDine.

The Geordie had defeated Wayne Jones in the first round and shared the opening two sets with van Gerwen - but a fist-pump to mock his opponent's celebration after levelling the game by hitting two 11-darters and a 14-dart finish in the second set only served to fire up the number two seed.

Van Gerwen took the third and fourth sets without reply, including back-to-back 180s in the last of six successive legs he won, before coming from 2-0 down in the next to book his last 16 spot.

Welsh star Webster, the 2008 Lakeside Champion, continued his renaissance with a gutsy performance as he fought back from the brink of defeat to edge past John Henderson in a seventh set tie-break.

Number 26 seed Webster, a two-time Alexandra Palace semi-finalist, won two of the first three sets before Henderson took both the fourth and fifth sets 3-1 to move into the ascendancy.

Henderson - who knocked out world number seven Dave Chisnall in the first round - also led 2-1 in the sixth set, but crucially missed three match darts at double top as Webster levelled and then took the set's decider to take the game into a final set.

Henderson again moved to the brink of victory at 2-1 and 3-2 up in the deciding set, hitting a 120 finish in moving to the brink of victory, but Webster levelled, broke throw and then took out 108 for a fifth ton-plus finish as he completed the fightback.

Wes Newton secured easier passage to the last 16, seeing off three-time World Champion John Part in straight sets to set up a clash with Robert Thornton after Christmas.

The number eight seed made a fine start to win the first set without reply and took the second 3-1 before Part hit back to lead 2-1 in the third, only for Newton to level with a 111 checkout and punish two missed doubles for the set from the Canadian to move 3-0 up.

Part also led in the fourth, but Newton levelled with a 119 finish and took out 94 to lead 2-1 before punishing more misses from the 2008 champion to seal victory.

In Sunday's afternoon session, Australian star Simon Whitlock, the 2010 runner-up, swept aside Finland's Jarkko Komula in straight sets and dropped only five legs as he romped into the third round.

Whitlock took the game's first set 3-1 before coming from 2-0 down to win the third, producing a key 12-darter to break throw in the process.

He then stepped up the pace by winning the third set with a trio of 13-dart finishes, and held his nerve to seal victory in the deciding leg of the fourth.

2004 finalist Painter also enjoyed a straight sets victory as he lost only five legs in seeing off former Players Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson.

Painter edged a key first set 3-2 as he capitalised on two missed doubles from Nicholson in the deciding leg by taking out 116, and he took the next three sets 3-1 to set up his post-Christmas clash with Whitlock.
 
Birthday boy Gary Anderson, who lost the 2011 final to Adrian Lewis, defeated number 15 seed Brendan Dolan 4-1 as he moved into the last 16 with another strong performance, averaging almost 98 in setting up a third round date with Michael van Gerwen or Kevin McDine.

The Scot, who turned 43 on Sunday, took the game's first three sets, including a 12-darter in the decicing leg of set two, before Dolan punished four missed match darts from Anderson to edge the fourth.

Anderson, though, swept through the fifth set without reply as he moved into the last 16 for a fourth successive year at Alexandra Palace.

The second round continues on Monday night with three further matches, including the clash between Adrian Lewis - the 2011 and 2012 champion and 9/4 second favourite - and quick-throwing Dutchman Vincent van der Voort.

Three-time semi-finalist James Wade, the number six seed, meets Andy Smith and another player with experience in the last four at Alexandra Palace, Mervyn King, takes on World Youth Championship runner-up Ricky Evans, who knocked out Ronnie Baxter in the first round.


Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Sunday December 22
Afternoon Session (12.30pm)
Brendan Dolan 1-4 Gary Anderson
Kevin Painter 4-0 Paul Nicholson
Simon Whitlock 4-0 Jarkko Komula

Evening Session (7pm)
Wes Newton 4-0 John Part
John Henderson 3-4 Mark Webster
Michael van Gerwen 4-1 Kevin McDine

All games the best of seven sets, best of five legs per set

MATCH INFORMATION
GARY ANDERSON 4-1 BRENDAN DOLAN
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0)
GARY ANDERSON celebrated his 43rd birthday in style as he overcame Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan by a 4-1 margin to reach the last 16 stage of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The former Premier League DArts champion opened up a three-set lead and looked on course to record a comfortable straight-sets victory at Alexandra Palace.

However, Anderson missed four opportunities to wrap up the game and Dolan stole the set to keep his hopes alive, before the Scotsman recovered to take the fifth without reply to close out the game.

Anderson won the first set by a 3-1 scoreline, hitting a 119 finish in the process, before edging the second in a deciding leg, where he produced a fine 12-dart finish.

Anderson continued his fine form on the doubles as the third set also fell in favour of the 43-year-old as he established a 3-0 cushion.

The fourth set went to a deciding leg which Anderson looked on course to win in being first to a finish, but four chances to win the match went begging and Dolan took the opportunity to keep the game alive by hitting double 16.

Anderson, though, recovered from that disappointment as he broke his opponent’s throw in the second leg of set five with a 64 finish, before ending the match in the next on double eight.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Anderson misses the bullseye for a 161 checkout, but returns to hit double eight after Dolan missed one chance at double 16.
1-1 - Dolan levels by hitting double top at the first attempt.
1-2 - Anderson regains the lead thanks to an excellent 119 finish, which he completes on the bullseye.
1-3 - One missed dart at double top from Dolan sees Anderson wrap up the first set on double eight.

Second Set
1-0 - Anderson wastes three opportunties to break throw, allowing Dolan to hold on double 16.
1-1 - The former Premier League champion starts the leg with a maximum but misses four darts at doubles. However, Dolan is unable to capitalise and Anderson returns to hit double five.
2-1 - Dolan hits a 180 of his own before taking out a 72 finish to win the leg.
2-2 - Anderson hits double 18 to send the set to a deciding leg.
2-3 - The Scotsman finds his tremendous scoring power at a vital time as he hits 140, 180 and 100 before taking out 81 on bullseye to complete a clinical 12-dart leg against the throw.

Third Set
0-1 - Anderson holds throw with an excellent 13-darter, landing double top.
1-1 - Dolan draws level on double 16, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
1-2 - The Northern Irishman hits a second 180 only for Anderson to take out a two-dart 64 finish.
1-3 - Anderson hits double top at the first attempt to move three sets clear.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Dolan converts a 62 finish on double 16, to start the set well.
1-1 - Anderson continues his good form on the doubles, as he hits tops with his first dart, to hold throw.
2-1 - Dolan takes out a 65 finish on double four.
2-2 - Anderson lands double ten to go a leg away from a straight sets win.
3-2 - Anderson misses double 12 for a 141 checkout to win match in style, but gives Dolan a major let-off as he wastes three more opportunities to close out the game, and the Northern Irishman takes advantage as he steals the set on double 16.

Fifth Set
0-1 - Anderson holds throw on double 19, defying a 180 from his opponent.
0-2 - The Scotsman takes out a 64 finish to break throw, thanks to an accurate third dart at double four.
0-3 - Anderson misses three more chances to win the match and Dolan applies pressure with a 180. However, Anderson manages to hit double eight to secure a third round place.

Match Stats

Brendan Dolan	1-4	Gary Anderson
31	100+	36
10	140+	16
1	170+	0
4	180	2
90.10	Average	97.97
65	High Finish	119
0	Breaks of Throw	4
7/13 - 53.85%	Finishing - %	14/35 - 40%

KEVIN PAINTER 4-0 PAUL NICHOLSON
(3-2, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
KEVIN PAINTER eased into the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over Paul Nicholson.

The crucial point of the game came in the deciding leg of the opening set, where Painter took out a superb 116 checkout, after Nicholson missed two opportunities to claim the set.

From that point on, Painter lost only three more legs over the course of the next three sets to progress to a 4-0 win and end Nicholson’s challenge in just 40 minutes.

The players shared the opening four legs before Painter edged the first set in the deciding leg with a 116 checkout, after Nicholson wasted two opportunities to claim a 1-0 lead.

Nicholson then hit a 136 checkout to level at 1-1 in the second set, before Painter won the next two legs to leave the Australian World Cup of Darts star trailing by two sets.

Nicholson won the first leg of set three with a 13-darter before Painter responded with an 82 finish to level and a 15-darter to move 2-1 up.

Both players hit a 180 in the fourth leg to leave a shot at double, but Painter had the first opportunity and hit double 18 to move three sets clear.

Nicholson started the fourth set with a 14-darter before wasting six chances to secure a break of throw in the next, allowing Painter to level on double 16.

Painter then hit a 15-dart-finish to move a leg away from the match, and an accurate attempt at double ten secured victory.

Match Information
FIrst Set
0-1 - Nicholson holds throw by taking out an 81 finish.
1-1 - Painter levels thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16, for a 67 finish.
2-1 - Painter wastes five opportunities to win the leg, only for Nicholson to miss three chances to break and allow the former runner-up to return to hit double two.
2-2 - Nicholson hits double six to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Painter holds the advantage of throw, but Nicholson hits a 180 to take control of the leg. However, the Australian is made to pay for two missed darts at doubles as Painter hits a 116 checkout, on double 18, to edge a tight set.

Second Set
1-0 - Both players record maximums before Painter wins the leg by taking out 56 in two darts, with Nicholson waiting on tops.
1-1 - Nicholson responds with a brilliant 136 checkout.
2-1 - Painter holds throw with a clinical two-dart 81 finish, following a missed dart at double top from Nicholson.
3-1 - The number 13 seed starts with a 180 to take command of the leg, before hiting double eight to leave the Australian two sets down.

Third Set
0-1 - Nicholson makes a positive start to the set, as he hits double 16 for a 13-darter.
1-1 - Painter converts an 82 finish with his opponent waiting on 68.
2-1 - Painter leaves 40 after 12 darts before hitting double top with his third dart, to break throw.
3-1 - The 2004 runner-up hits a third 180 to leave 36, only for Nicholson to reply with a maximum of his own to leave double 14 - but Painter posts double 18 at the first time of asking to win the set.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Nicholson holds throw on double 16, to record a 14-dart finish.
1-1 - The number 20 seed is guilty of wasting six chances to break throw and Painter steals the leg on double 16.
2-1 - Painter hits double ten to complete a 15-darter and move a leg away from triumph.
3-1 - Painter closes out the game by hitting double ten for a second leg running to end Nicholson's challenge at Alexandra Palace.

Match Stats

Kevin Painter	4-0	Paul Nicholson
22	100+	19
12	140+	19
0	170+	0
3	180	3
91.59	Average	93.60
116	High Finish	136
6	Breaks of Throw	2
12/24 - 50%	Finishing - %	5/21 - 23.81%

SIMON WHITLOCK 4-0 JARKKO KOMULA
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2)
SIMON WHITLOCK cruised into the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-0 victory over Finland’s Jarkko Komula on Sunday afternoon.

Whitlock, who defeated Ross Smith in first round match, won the opening two legs of the game after Komula missed opportunities to win both.

The Finn hit an excellent 101 checkout to win the third leg before Whitlock closed out the set in the next to draw first blood.

Komula, who defeated former UK Open finalist Mark Walsh in his opener, hit back to lead the second set 2-0, landing a 14-darter in the opening leg.

Whitlock then produced some clinical form on the doubles as he won the next three legs with finishes of 92, 82 and 68 to take the set and increase his lead.

The Australian powered through the third set in just 39-darts – hitting a trio of 13-dart finishes – before moving 2-1 up in the fourth, to move a leg away from victory.

Komula kept the match alive by hitting a 100 finish in the fourth leg, but a missed dart at tops to win the set allowed Whitlock a shot at double five to close out the game, which he duly converted.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Komula misses two chances to win the first leg and Whitlock hits double eight to move ahead.
2-0 - Whitlock hits double four after the Finn missed one opportunity at double five.
2-1 - Komula takes out a 101 finish on double 16.
3-1 - Whitlock hits double top to win the first set.

Second Set
0-1 - Komula starts the set well with an excellent 14-darter to break Whitlock's throw.
0-2 - Whitlock misses three chances at double eight and Komula capitalises by hitting the same double.
1-2 - Whitlock hits the bullseye to convert a 92 finish.
2-2 - The Australian number one hits double top for an 82 finish, after both players had kicked-off the leg with 180s.
3-2 - Whitlock hits another 180 before taking out a 68 finish to move two sets clear.

Third Set
1-0 - Whitlock misses double 12 to complete a 138 combination, but returns to hit double six for a 13-darter against the throw.
2-0 - The Australian repeats the trick as he registers another 13-dart finish, completed on double 12.
3-0 - Whitlock rounds off a brilliant set of darts as he hits double 18 to post his third successive 13-darter.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Whitlock's good form continues at the start of set four as he takes out a 65 finish for a 14-darter.
1-1 - The number four seed misses the bullseye, for a 130 finish, and Komula ends a seven-leg losing streak as he takes out 80 on double top.
2-1 - Whitlock hits double 16 with an accurate third dart to move a leg from a last 16 spot.
2-2 - Komula hits double ten for a 100 finish, with Whitlock waiting on 58 to win the match.
3-2 - Whitlock misses two chances to win the game. However, Komula is unable to hit double top for a 105 finish to keep the match alive, and Whitlock returns to hit double five to seak the win.

Match Stats

Simon Whitlock	4-0	Jarkko Komula
24	100+	29
7	140+	10
1	170+	0
5	180	1
95.30	Average	88.99
92	High Finish	101
4	Breaks of Throw	1
12/26 - 46.15%	Finishing - %	5/13 - 38.46%

EVENING SESSION
WES NEWTON 4-0 JOHN PART
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
WES NEWTON enjoyed comfortable passage through to the third round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-0 victory over three-time World Champion John Part.

Newton won six of the first seven legs to establish a two-set lead before edging the third set in a deciding leg, after Part failed with two opportunities to reduce the deficit.

After dropping the first leg of the fourth, Newton reeled off three legs in a row, featuring finishes of 119 and 94, to set up a last 16 tie against Scotland’s Robert Thornton.

Newton won the opener comfortably by a 3-0 margin, with the set completed by a fantastic 11-darter, before taking the second set for the loss of just one leg, which included finishes of 82 and 81 with Part waiting on double 18 on both occasions.

Part, who overcame Mareno Michels in his opening match nine days earlier, improved his game in the third set as he moved 2-1 up with a break of throw in the third leg by hitting double seven.

Newton cancelled out that advantage with a 111 finish, before edging the set in the deciding leg after Part missed two shots at double top to reduce the deficit.

Part won the first leg of set four before Newton hit a 119 finish to draw level, followed by a 94 finish to break throw.

The fourth leg saw Newton miss four opportunities to win the match, but Part failed with three attempts to keep the game alive to allow the Fleetwood ace to close out the game on double three.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Newton hits double 16 to take out a 65 finish.
2-0 - The Fleetwood breaks the Canadian's throw on double five.
3-0 - Newton hits a brilliant 11-darter, which features a maximum, to win the set.

Second Set
0-1 - Part wins his first leg of the game courtesy of a two-dart 76 finish.
1-1 - Both players post 180s before Newton takes out an 82 finish, on double top, with Part waiting on 36.
2-1 - Newton hits another maximum before breaking Part's throw by taking out 81, with his opponent waiting on double 18 for the second leg running.
3-1 - Newton misses double 12 for a 144 checkout, but returns to hit the same double and leave Part in trouble.

Third Set
1-0 - Newton wins a fourth leg in a row thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16.
1-1 - Part hits double eight for a 14-darter to win just his second leg of the match.
1-2 - Newton records a fourth 180 in between consecutive 140s from Part. Newton though, misses three chances to hold throw and Part takes advantage by hitting double seven.
2-2 - The world number eight breaks back immediately as he takes out a 111 finish.
3-2 - Newton misses double five for a 130 checkout to win the set, but Part fails with two attempts at double top to reduce the deficit to allow his opponent back in on double five to edge the leg and pull further clear of the Canadian star.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Part hits double six to hold throw and made a positive start to the set.
1-1 - The Canadian hits a 180 only for Newton to hit the bullseye for a 119 finish.
2-1 - Newton hits double for a 94 finish to break Part's throw.
3-1 - Newton is unable to land four chances to win the match, but Part fails with three attempts at doubles to allow Newton to close out the game on double three.

Match Stats

Wes Newton	4-0	John Part
26	100+	23
8	140+	6
0	170+	1
5	180	2
92.19	Average	87.89
119	High Finish	76
4	Breaks of Throw	1
12/27 - 44.44%	Finishing - %	4/11 - 36.36%

MARK WEBSTER 4-3 JOHN HENDERSON
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 5-3)
MARK WEBSTER came from 3-2 down and survived three missed for the match from John Henderson to edge through to the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Henderson, who knocked out World Grand Prix runner-up Dave Chisnall in the first round, looked on course to claim another big name as he took on the former Lakeside Champion.

However, the Scot was left to rue three missed opportunities at double top for a 4-2 win as he fell to defeat in a final set tie-break.

After dropping the first leg of the game, Webster won the next three in a run which featured a 108 finish and a 14-dart finish to wrap up the set.

Webster was 2-1 up in the second set before Henderson levelled on double ten and then took out an excellent 105 finish in the deciding leg to square the game.

Webster produced a run of three straight legs to win the third set, culminating in a 105 finish of his own, before making a positive start to set four with a two-dart 80 checkout.

However, Henderson stopped the Welshman’s run and won the next two legs on double five, before a two-dart 96 finish gave the Scot the set, to level the match at two apiece.

Henderson moved 2-0 up in the fifth set, in a run which included a nine-dart opportunity in the second leg as he hit seven consecutive treble 20s.

His hopes of achieving the magical feat were ended as he missed the treble 19 to end hopes of completing a 141 checkout, but the leg was won in 11-darts to give the world number 48 his fifth leg in a row.

Webster stopped the rot with a fantastic 157 checkout to win the third leg, but the fourth fell the way of Henderson as moved 3-2 up in the match.

Henderson then led the sixth set 2-1 to move a leg away from victory, but the next leg saw him punished for three missed darts at double top to win the game, as Webster kept his hopes alive on double two.

Webster then hit double ten to win the decider and force a final set, before breaking Henderson’s throw to take an early advantage in the decider.

Henderson hit back to take the next two legs and move a leg away from victory once again, before Webster converted an excellent 114 finish in the fourth with his opponent waiting on a two-darter for the match.

The next two legs were shared before Webster hit double top to break throw and lead 4-3, before he then completed his comeback with a 108 finish for the match.


Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Henderson hits a 180 and takes out double top at hte first attempt, after Webster misses three shots at doubles.
1-1 - Webster draws level as he hits double top for a 108 finish.
1-2 - Henderson misses double 16 for a 98 finish, and Webster breaks throw on double six.
1-3 - Webster lands double ten for an impressive 14-darter to take an early lead.

Second Set
0-1 - Webster kicks-off the leg with scores of 180 and 140, before taking out a 68 finish on double five.
1-1 - Henderson hits double 12 for a 15-darter, defying another 180 from his opponent.
1-2 - Webster is just off-target on the bullseye for a 170 checkout, but returns to hit double 12 after Henderson misses two chances to break throw.
2-2 - The Scot hits double ten to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Henderson levels the match as he takes out a 105 finish, on double top, with Webster waiting on 95.

Third Set
0-1 - Webster hits a third 180 before breaking throw on double three.
0-2 - The Welshman hits a 64 finish in a leg that featured another maximum.
0-3 - Webster makes Henderson pay for two missed darts at doubles as he converts an excellent 105 finish.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Webster continues the fine finishing as he hits a two-dart 80 checkout.
1-1 - Henderson lands double five to level, after the Scotsman recorded a third 180.
2-1 - Henderson hits double five for the second leg running to break Webster's throw.
3-1 - The world number 48 hits a fifth 180 before hitting a clinical two-dart 96 finish to level the game for a second time.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Henderson hits double one to hold throw, having missed five previous opportunities to win the leg.
2-0 - The Scot starts the leg brilliantly with back-to-back 180s and successfully hits a seventh treble 20, but fails to land the treble 19 to continue the 141 combination - although he returns to hit double top for an 11-dart finish to break throw.
2-1 - Webster responds superbly as he hits a maximum, followed by a 157 checkout.
3-1 - Henderson takes out a 68 finish to complete a 15-darter and move a set away from victory.

Sixth Set
0-1 - Webster holds throw with a 76 finish.
1-1 - Henderson hits double top after the Welshman misses his attempt at the bullseye for a break of throw.
2-1 - Three missed darts at double 16 from Henderson are not punished by Webster, who fails with two attempts at double ten, allowing his opponent to return and hit double 16.
2-2 - The tension shows in both players as Webster misses three darts at doubles before Henderson does exactly the same with three shots at double top to win the match going begging as the left-hander keeps his hopes alive by hitting double two.
2-3 - Webster hits double ten to force a deciding set.

Seventh Set
0-1 - Webster hits double top to win the opening leg against the darts.
1-1 - Henderson hits double eight with an accurate third dart to take out a 74 finish and break back.
2-1 - Henderson takes out an 82 finish to move a leg away from victory for a second time.
2-2 - Webster takes out an excellent 114 checkout under pressure, with his opponent waiting on 100 for the match.
3-2 - Henderson holds throw with a 120 checkout to edge ahead once again.
3-3 - Webster hits double top with his opponent waiting on 32 for the match.
3-4 - Henderson misses a dart at double top and is made to pay for the error as Webster hits the same double to break throw and move in front.
3-5 - The Scotsman kicks off the leg with scores of 134 and 140, but fails to build on that as Webster posts a 180 and follows that up with a 108 checkout to end a thrilling contest.

Match Stats

John Henderson	3-4	Mark Webster
49	100+	44
18	140+	17
0	170+	2
9	180	7
91.62	Average	92.23
120	High Finish	157
6	Breaks of Throw	7
15/44 - 34.09%	Finishing - %	18/38 - 47.37%

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 4-1 KEVIN McDINE
(3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-2)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN set up a mouth-watering third round clash against Gary Anderson at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship by defeating Kevin McDine 4-1 on Sunday night.

After sharing the game's opening two sets, the Dutch superstar won nine of the next 11 legs - hitting a total of 11 maximums - to power past the former Grand Slam of Darts semi-finalist.

Van Gerwen started confidently as he took the first set without reply in a run which culminated in a superb 11-dart-finish as he drew first blood.

The second set proved to be an outstanding one from both players, as seven 180s were hit by the pair, including four by McDine as he went on to take the set in the deciding leg on double top.

Van Gerwen, though, romped through the third set without reply from his opponent, which included a 12-darter, and a 118 checkout, and the fourth followed a similar pattern, as the recent Players Championship Finals winner stretched his run of winning legs to six in a row.

McDine battled hard and took the opening two legs of the fifth set, before the number two seed hit back to take the next two and move a leg away from victory.

The deciding leg saw McDine waste two chances to win the set and keep the game alive, and van Gerwen ended proceedings with a 64 finish on double top.


Match Information
First Set
1-0 - van Gerwen holds throw on double eight, after McDine misses double 16 for a 99 finish.
2-0 - The Dutch ace hits double eight at the first attempt to break his opponent's throw.
2-1 - van Gerwen misses several opportunities to win the set, and McDine manages to hit double 18 with his third dart.
3-1 - The world number two hits a 180 in a superb 11-darter to win the set in clinical fashion.

Second Set
1-0 - van Gerwen takes out a 110 finish on double 16 to win the leg against the darts.
1-1 - A high-quality leg ses both players hit maximums before McDine takes out 76 in two darts, with his opponent waiting on 36.
1-2 - The third leg sees both players hit a 180 apiece before McDine hits double 12 for an 81 finish.
2-2 - van Gerwen hits a third maximum in as many legs, before levelling the set with a 15-darter.
2-3 - McDine hits another 180 only for van Gerwen to reply in kind, but the Geordie is first to a finish and hits double top at the first attempt to level the match.

Third Set
1-0 - van Gerwen starts the set in clinical fashion with a 12-darter, which featured scores of 177 and 180.
2-0 - The Dutch number one takes out a 118 finish on the bullseye to break McDine's throw.
3-0 - van Gerwen fails with eight attempts to win the set, before hitting double five with his third dart.

Fourth Set
1-0 - van Gerwen fires in a 177 before hitting double ten to break throw in 13 darts.
2-0 - The Dutchman wins a fifth leg in a row thanks to an accurate attempt at double 16.
3-0 - van Gerwen records back-to-back 180s to ignite hopes of a nine-dart-finish, but it's not to be as his attempt at a seventh treble 20 falls below the target, and though he initially misses three chances to win the set, McDine is unable to capitalise with five misses of his own to allow the number two seed back in on double one.

Fifth Set
0-1 - van Gerwen hits his tenth 180 before McDine replies with his fifth of the game, but one missed dart at the bullseye from the Dutchman proves costly as his opponent hits double top with his first dart, to win his first leg in seven.
0-2 - McDine hits double nine for an excellent 14-darter.
1-2 - van Gerwen holds throw by hitting double four.
2-2 - The Dutchman converts a clinical 98 finish to win the leg against the darts.
3-2 - McDine wastes two chances to win the set and keep the match alive, and is made to pay as van Gerwen takes out a 64 finish on double top to complete victory.

Match Stats

Michael van Gerwen	4-1	Kevin McDine
22	100+	22
8	140+	7
2	170+	0
11	180	6
96.88	Average	90.11
118	High Finish	81
7	Breaks of Throw	3
14/38 - 36.84%	Finishing - %	6/21 - 28.57%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 9

ROBERT THORNTON defied a bout of sickness to storm into the third round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets win over Beau Anderson on Saturday night, as Ian White held off a Kim Huybrechts fightback and Richie Burnett joined the pair in the last 16.
Thornton produced one of the best performances of the tournament so far, hitting seven 180s and averaging almost 99 in dropping only two legs against the Oceanic Masters champion, who had overcome Colin Lloyd on his Alexandra Palace debut.

The performance, though, was made more remarkable as Thornton visibly battled the effects of a virus which also saw him ill before the game and regularly standing next to the on-stage fan to cool down as he swept to victory.

Stoke's Ian White won through to the third round for the first time in a World Championship with his 4-3 win over Kim Huybrechts - although the Belgian gave him an almighty scare by hitting back from three sets down to force a decider.

White made a brilliant start to win six of the game's first seven legs, securing the second set with a 115 checkout for a 2-0 lead, and then edged the third set 3-2 to continue his dominance.

Huybrechts, a quarter-finalist at Alexandra Palace two years ago, kick-started his challenge by coming from a leg down to win the third set 3-1, before edging the next two in deciding legs to level a dramatic contest.

Huybrechts then moved ahead in the final set with a 13-darter, but White punished a miss at double 16 from the Belgian to level before taking out 62 and 73 to seal victory.

White will now play Richie Burnett in the third round after Christmas, after the Welsh star reached the last 16 for the first time since 2003 with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over another Stoke ace, Andy Hamilton.

The former Lakeside Champion followed up his fine first round win over Dean Winstanley with a strong display against Hamilton, hitting nine 180s against the 2012 runner-up.

Burnett won the first set without reply, and though Hamilton won the second 3-1, the Welshman claimed a key third in a deciding leg, hitting seven perfect darts before responding to missing out on a nine-darter by landing double top to move 2-1 up in the match.

He then claimed the fourth set 3-1 before coming from 2-0 down in the fifth to complete the victory.


 Hamilton, whose run of reaching at least the quarter-finals of the major TV ranking events in the last 18 months was ended by the defeat, said: "The best player won today. I played alright but missed a few shots and Richie took advantage, and he deserved to win.
The second round continues with a double session at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, with three former finalists in action in the afternoon session as Gary Anderson meets Brendan Dolan, Kevin Painter plays Paul Nicholson and Simon Whitlock meets Jarkko Komula.

Three-time World Champion John Part opens up the evening session against number eight seed Wes Newton, before former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster faces Scotland's John Henderson and last year's beaten finalist Michael van Gerwen takes on Kevin McDine.



Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Saturday December 21
Andy Hamilton 1-4 Richie Burnett
Robert Thornton 4-0 Beau Anderson
Kim Huybrechts 3-4 Ian White

Best of seven sets, best of five legs per set.

MATCH INFORMATION
RICHIE BURNETT 4-1 ANDY HAMILTON
(3-0, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2)
RICHIE BURNETT reached the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship for the first time in 11 years after a brilliant 4-1 victory over 2012 runner-up Andy Hamilton.

Burnett gained revenge for defeat to the Stoke ace at the same stage of this competition 12 months ago with the triumph, aided by nine maximums during the contest.

The 1995 World Champion capitalised on a slow start from Hamilton to take the first set without reply, before Hamilton found his range to take the second by a 3-1 margin.

The third set was a tight affair that went the full distance, and the deciding leg saw Burnett hit form at a vital time as he hit consecutive 180s to leave the opportunity of a nine-darter.

The Welshman successfully hit a seventh treble 20, but failed to find the treble 19 bed to continue the 141 combination, although he returned to hit double top with a pressure third dart to edge the set before a 14-darter gave him the fourth set and a 3-1 cushion.

Hamilton was now in big trouble but led the fifth set 2-1 with a break of throw, only for Burnett to cancel that advantage as he took out an 80 finish to move a leg away from victory before clinching the match in style in the fifth leg as he hit two maximums in a brilliant 13-darter to end Hamilton’s hopes of glory.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Burnett holds throw thanks to an accurate third dart on double ten.
0-2 - Hamilton misses two darts to hold throw and Burnett hits tops at the first attempt to capitalise on Hamilton's slow start.
0-3 - The number five seed is just off-target on the bullseye, for a 130 finish, and Burnett hits double eight to establish an early lead.

Second Set
1-0 - Hamilton starts to find his range as he kicks-off the leg with consecutive 140s before hitting double 16 for a 14-darter.
1-1 - Burnett hits the first 180 of the game before landing double three to level, after Hamilton missed one dart at the bullseye.
2-1 - The Welshman posts another 180 to leave 40, but wastes three darts at double top and Hamilton hits double 18 to edge ahead once again.
3-1 - Hamilton takes the initiative as he hits a brilliant 171 score before hitting tops with his first dart, to level at one apiece.

Third Set
0-1 - Burnett hits a 134 to leave 40, before Hamilton hits a 180 to apply pressure, but the Welshman holds his nerve to hit double ten.
1-1 - A high-quality leg from both players sees the Stoke ace post another 180, sandwiched by two 140s from Burnett, before Hamilton goes on to win the leg with a 124 checkout, ending on the bullseye.
1-2 - Burnett hits the double 16 bed with an accurate third dart to hold throw.
2-2 - Hamilton hits double top at the first time of asking to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Burnett hits a timely 180 and follows it with another, to ignite hopes a nine-darter. He successfully hits a seventh treble 20 before missing treble 19 for a 141 combination. The Welshman then misses five attempts at tops before finding the bed with his third dart to win the set.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Burnett hits a fifth 180 but misses two chances to win the leg on double 19. However, Hamilton fails with three attempts at double five and the former World Champion hits double two to break his opponent's throw.
0-2 - The Welshman hits another maximum, but five missed darts at doubles give Hamilton a chance. However, the number five seed fails with four attempts of his own and Burnett returns to hit double one.
1-2 - Hamilton hits double seven for a 14-dart-finish to keep the set alive.
1-3 - Consistent high scoring from Burnett sees him 81 after 12 darts, which he converts for a 14-darter to leave the UK Open finalist in big trouble.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Hamilton hits a third 180 before converting a 67 finish on double eight to break throw, after Burnett misses two shots at doubles.
2-0 - The world number five doubles his lead as he land tops for a 14-darter.
2-1 - Burnett replies with a 14-dart finish of his own, which features the Welshman's seventh 180.
2-2 - Burnett converts an 80 finish on double top to break throw and move a leg away from triumph.
2-3 - The Welshman crosses the finish line with a clinical 13-darter, which featured two maximums.

Match Stats

Andy Hamilton	1-4	Richie Burnett
27	100+	22
16	140+	16
1	170+	0
3	180	9
96.89	Average	95.91
124	High Finish	81
2	Breaks of Throw	3
8/22 - 36.36%	Finishing - %	13/38 - 34.21%

ROBERT THORNTON 4-0 BEAU ANDERSON
(3-1, 3-0, 3-1, 3-0)
ROBERT THORNTON defied a virus to drop just two legs in dismissing Beau Anderson in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets second round win over the Australian.

The world number nine’s display, as he ended the game with a three-dart average over 98, was enhanced after it emerged that he had been feeling unwell ahead of the game.

Thornton won the opening two legs of the game before Anderson, who defeated two-time major winner Colin Lloyd in the first round, hit double top to win the third.

The Scot then wrapped up the set by hitting double top before breezing through the second set without reply from his opponent, landing a 106 finish in the first leg.

Anderson hit a 13-darter to win his second leg of the game in the second leg of set three, only for Thornton to reply with one of his own in the next to lead 2-1 before taking out a 120 finish to claim a 3-0 lead.

Despite his illness, Thornton swept through the fourth set comfortably, recording finishes of 15, 14 and 12 darts to secure his place in the last 16.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Thornton starts brightly with a 180 before winning the first leg on double six.
2-0 - The Scotsman hits double three to continue his good start.
2-1 - Anderson takes out 58 on double top, defying a 180 from his opponent.
3-1 - The Australian misses one dart at double top for a 120 finish, and Thornton hits the same double with his first dart to draw first blood.

Second Set
1-0 - Thornton breaks throw with a clinical 106 finish, with his opponent waiting on 40.
2-0 - The Scotsman posts a third 180 before taking out 72 on double six.
3-0 - Anderson is off-target with one dart at the bullseye for a 124 finish, and Thornton hits double five with an accurate third dart to move further clear.

Third Set
1-0 - Anderson hits a 180 but fails to find the winning double and Thornton capitalises by hitting double five for the second leg running.
1-1 - The Australian defies a maximum from his opponent as he records a 13-darter to claim just his second leg of the game.
2-1 - Thornton replies with a 13-dart finish of his own, in a leg which featured the world number nine's fifth 180.
3-1 - Thornton takes out a 120 finish to move a set away from victory.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Thornton powers on at the start of set four with back-to-back 180s before hitting double 18 for a 14-darter.
2-0 - The Scotsman takes out 61 on double 18 to complete a 15-dart leg.
3-0 - Thornton closes out the match in style as he hits the bullseye for an 81 finish, to complete a 12-darter.

Match Stats

Robert Thornton	4-0	Beau Anderson
12	100+	13
16	140+	10
0	170+	0
7	180	3
98.89	Average	87.76
120	High Finish	58
7	Breaks of Throw	1
12/28 - 42.86%	Finishing - %	2/4 - 50%

IAN WHITE 4-3 KIM HUYBRECHTS
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 1-3, 2-3, 2-3, 3-1)
IAN WHITE survived a sensational comeback from Kim Huybrechts to claim a dramatic 4-3 victory in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Huybrechts fell 3-0 down and his hopes of a last 16 place appeared to have evaporated, before the Belgian ace clawed back to win the next three sets and force a decider.

However, White recovered to break throw in the third leg before sealing the match in the fourth, and will face Richie Burnett for a place in the quarter-finals after the Welshman had knocked out world number five Andy Hamilton earlier on Saturday evening.

White capitalised on some poor finishing from his opponent to take the first 3-0, before the second also fell in favour of the Stoke ace, which included an excellent 12-darter in the third leg.

White moved 2-1 up in the third set before a missed dart at tops to win the set in the next was punished by Huybrechts, who took a 111 finish.

Huybrechts was in control of the deciding leg, but two missed darts at doubles saw White edge the set on double top and establish a 3-0 cushion.

White, who defied a nine-darter from Kyle Anderson to win their first round clash, took the opening of set four before Huybrechts put together a run of three straight legs to win the set and reduce the deficit.

The fifth set proved to be a high-quality affair which Huybrechts edged 3-2 to continue the comeback, after the pair shared four 14-dart finishes.

White built a 2-1 lead in the sixth to move a leg away from victory before Huybrechts hit a trio of 140 scores in a brilliant 12-darter to keep his hopes alive.

The Stoke thrower held the advantage of throw in the deciding leg, but the Belgian showed great character as he forced a decider by hitting double top with his opponent waiting on double 14 for the match.

The pair shared the opening two legs of the final set before Huybrechts was the first to crack after missing two darts at double 18, and White capitalised by converting a 62 finish.

Huybrechts was unable to hit back from those errors and White took out a 73 finish, on double top, to reach the last 16 of the competition for the first time.


Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Huybrechts fires in a maximum, but two missed darts at doubles prove costly as White takes out a 68 finish to break throw.
0-2 - The second leg follows a similar pattern of the first leg as the Belgian number one hits another 180 before the Stoke ace takes out a 66 finish.
0-3 - Huybrechts misses double seven for a 93 finish, and White lands double four to wrap up an impressive first set.

Second Set
0-1 - White hits his first 180 of the game before hitting double top.
1-1 - Huybrechts hits double 16 at the first attempt to win his first leg of the match.
1-2 - White starts the leg with a maximum before going to hit double six for a 12-darter.
1-3 - Huybrechts hits a score of 174 only for White to hit a clinical 115 finish, on double top, to leave the Belgian ace two sets down.

Third Set
0-1 - White hits a fourth 180 followed an accurate attempt at double top, after Huybrechts had missed one shot at double 16.
1-1 - Both players kick-off the leg with 180s before White makes a crucial mistake attempting to take out 25, as he bursts his score by hitting treble 14 with his first dart. Huybrechts accepts the let-off by hitting double five, after missing two previous opportunties.
1-2 - White recovers brilliantly from the mistake of the previous leg as takes out a 92 finish, on double 18, for a brilliant 12-darter.
2-2 - White misses double top for a 116 finish, which would given him the set, and the number 12 seed shows his class as he takes out a 111 finish to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Huybrechts posts a timely 180, but two darts at double six to win the set go begging and White pinches the set on double top, to move further ahead.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Huybrechts starts the leg with a 180 only for White to respond with a maximum of his own to leave 24, and the Stoke ace hits double six for a 14-darter.
1-1 - The Belgian misses the bullseye, for a 170 checkout, but hits double one to level.
2-1 - Huybrechts breaks his opponent's throw for the first time as he hits double 13 for a 13-dart finish.
3-1 - White hits a 180, but a missed dart at the bullseye gives Huybrechts a chance to win the set, which he takes by hitting double top at the first time of asking.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Huybrechts takes out a 70 finish to make a positive start to the set.
1-1 - White levels on double 16 for an impressive 14-darter.
2-1 - Huybrechts replies with a 14-dart finish of his own, taking out a two-dart 72 checkout .
2-2 - White hits double 18 at the first attempt to post another 14-darter, and move a leg away from victory.
3-2 - The high standard continues as Huybrechts records another 14-darter to continue the comeback, in a leg where the Belgian hit scores of 180 and 170.

Sixth Set
0-1 - Both players miss one dart at a double before White lands the middle of the double eight bed to hold throw.
1-1 - Huybrechts converts an 82 finish on double top to draw level.
1-2 - Huybrechts hits a seventh 180, but White wins the leg on double 12 to once again move a leg away from a third round spot.
2-2 - The Belgian hits a trio of 140 scores to leave 81, which he takes out on double 12 for an impressive 12-darter.
3-2 - White holds the advantage of throw, but Huybrechts hits double top, with his opponent waiting on double 14 for the match, to send the game to a final set.

Seventh Set
1-0 - Huybrechts hits double 16 for a 13-darter to lead the match for the first time.
1-1 - The number 12 seed is just off-target on double 16 for a 140 checkout and White hits double top to capitalise.
1-2 - Two missed darts at double 18 prove expensive from Huybrechts, as White hits double four with his third dart, to convert a 62 finish.
1-3 - White hits double top for a 73 finish to reach the third round of the competition.

Match Stats

Kim Huybrechts	3-4	Ian White
31	100+	36
24	140+	19
1	170+	0
7	180	9
98.94	Average	98.39
111	High Finish	115
4	Breaks of Throw	7
13/30 - 43.33%	Finishing - %	17/33 - 51.52%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 8

REIGNING Ladbrokes World Darts Champion Phil Taylor was sensationally knocked out of the tournament in a seven-set thriller by Michael Smith on Friday night, as Raymond van Barneveld and Peter Wright also won through to the third round at Alexandra Palace.
PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion Smith, the world number 32, left the 16-time World Champion stunned with the greatest performance of his fledgling career.

Taylor took out 156 to win the game's opening leg and took the first set without reply in an ominous start - only for Smith to take out 121 on the bull to level by winning the second 3-1.

The 23-year-old also took out 141 as he moved ahead in set three, but Taylor came from 2-0 down to level with back-to-back 13-darters before punishing two missed darts at tops from the youngster by finishing 81 for a 14-dart leg to move 2-1 up.

Smith again showed his bottle by coming from 2-1 down to edge the fourth in a decider to level once more - but missed four darts to win the fifth set as Taylor again held his nerve by finishing double eight to win the decider.

Smith sent the game into a deciding set by taking the sixth without reply, including legs of 14 and 12 darts, and after Taylor took the final set's opener on double six, the St Helens ace followed a 14-darter with two 180s in an 11-dart leg to break.

Taylor hit back to level in the fourth leg to send the match into a tie-break, but Smith broke again with a 13-darter before hitting his sixth 180 of the game in the sixth leg and finished 128 on the bull for a 12-dart leg to complete the greatest triumph of his life.

Smith had been rated at 250/1 to win the title by sponsors Ladbrokes ahead of the game, but is now 28/1 after his stunning win over the reigning champion - which echoed Taylor's second round loss to another St Helens ace, Dave Chisnall, in the 2012 tournament.

Smith has been sponsored and mentored by former World Championship finalist Gary Anderson, who plays Brendan Dolan in his second round game on Saturday, and said: "Gary's been my hero ever since I started playing and by supporting me he's believed in me - and it would be a dream to play him in the final."

Smith will now play Peter Wright in the third round after Christmas, with the number 16 seed having seen off Denmark's Per Laursen 4-2 as the second round began in thrilling fashion on Friday.

Although Wright took the game's first set 3-1, Laursen - who had defied a nine-darter from Terry Jenkins in the first round - took the next two sets to move 2-1 up in the game.

Wright, though, found another gear to level the contest by winning the fourth set without reply before taking the next two sets 3-1 to seal his last 16 spot - having claimed victory by using a new set of darts similar to those used by Taylor in his bid to be more consistent on the big stage.

Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld came through another dramatic seven-set contest as he continued his push for a sixth World Championship crown by edging out Jamie Caven.

Caven led 1-0 after taking out 136 to win the first set, and he also held a 3-2 advantage in sets - having missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish during a brilliant contest - only to see the Dutchman produce some darts of the highest class in taking the final two sets 3-0 and 3-1 to prevail.

The second round continues on Saturday with a further three matches, as 2012 runner-up Andy Hamilton plays former World Champion Richie Burnett, Robert Thornton faces Australian ace Beau Anderson and Kim Huybrechts takes on Ian White.


Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Second Round
Friday December 20
Peter Wright 4-2 Per Laursen
Raymond van Barneveld 4-3 Jamie Caven
Phil Taylor 3-4 Michael Smith

Best of seven sets, best of five legs per set

MATCH INFORMATION
PETER WRIGHT 4-2 PER LAURSEN
(3-1, 1-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-1)
PETER WRIGHT came from 2-1 down to defeat Denmark’s Per Laursen to become the first player to win through to the last 16 of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Wright hit back well from dropping a tight third set as he won nine of the next 11 legs to take the game – averaging over 98 for a second successive game despite playing with a new set of darts.

Wright took the game's first set with consecutive 104 finishes to make a good start, before the Dane hit back to level, taking the second in excellent fashion thanks to a 128 checkout.

The third set went to a deciding leg and Wright hit scores of a 180 and 177 to raise hopes of recording a third nine-darter in this year’s World Championship.

That was not to be after the Scotsman missed his attempt at a second treble 20 of the 144 combination, to leave double 12, before Laursen dramatically stole the leg with a 61 finish to lead 2-1 in sets.

Wright hit back quickly as he won the fourth set with legs of 14 and 13 darts, before winning the fifth set by 3-1 margin.

Wright was now in full flow and he won the sixth set in the same manner, closing out game with a 76 finish in the fourth leg to reach the third round of this competition for the second time.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Laursen hits double ten to hold throw after Wright misses a chance on double 16 to break.
1-1 - Wright levels with a 76 finish on double 18.
2-1 - The number 16 seed hits a 104 finish to break the Dane's throw.
3-1 - Wright takes out another 104 finish to seal the first set in brilliant style.

Second Set
1-0 - Wright hits double ten to win a fourth leg in a row.
1-1 - Laursen registers the first 180 of the game before hitting double six to level.
1-2 - The Dane hits another maximum before winning the leg in 12 darts to break his opponent's throw.
1-3 - Laursen hits a 128 checkout, on the bullseye, to level the contest at one set apiece.

Third Set
0-1 - Two missed darts at double 16 from Wright are punished as Laursen converts an 84 finish.
1-1 - The Dane hits his third maximum, but three missed darts at doubles to win the leg go begging as Wright steps in on double 16.
1-2 - A strong leg from Wright sees him leave 39 after 12 darts, but two missed doubles allow Laursen take out a 70 finish on double top to move ahead.
2-2 - Wright hits double eight to level, with his opponent waiting on 32 to win the set.
2-3 - Wright posts his first 180 of the game and follows that with a 177 to ignite hopes of a nine-darter. He adds a seventh perfect dart but misses another treble 20 for the 144 finish, and after missing a dart at double 16 to win the set, Laursen finishes 61 to edge ahead in the game in a dramatic leg.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Wright takes out a 74 finish to make a positive start to the fourth set.
2-0 - The number 16 seed hits an excellent 14-darter to break Laursen's throw.
3-0 - Wright completes an excellent set of darts as he hits double ten for a 13-dart finish.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Wright breaks throw on double 16 to win his fourth leg in a row.
2-0 - An accurate dart at double one gives Wright the leg, after missing four previous double attempts.
2-1 - Wright is just off-target with his attempt at the bullseye for a 122 finish to close out the set, and Laursen takes out 78, on tops, to stop his opponent's dominance.
3-1 - Wright takes out a 62 finish, thanks to an accurate third dart at double eight, to move a set away from victory.

Sixth Set
1-0 - Wright posts his second 180 of the game before going on to hit double five.
1-1 - Laursen takes out a 76 finish thanks to an accurate third dart on double four, with Wright waiting on 36.
2-1 - The Dane hits a fourth 180 but Wright is first to finish, only to miss two chances to win the leg - but Laursen is unable to hit tops for a 110 finish in allowing his opponent back to land double to edge closer to a last 16 spot.
3-1 - Wright crosses the winning line thanks to a two-dart 76 finish.

Match Stats

Peter Wright	4-2	Per Laursen
37	100+	32
20	140+	16
1	170+	0
2	180	4
98.04	Average	87.63
104	High Finish	128
4	Breaks of Throw	1
15/39 - 38.46%	Finishing - %	9/24 - 37.50%

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD 4-3 JAMIE CAVEN
(2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1)
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD edged a thrilling second round contest against Jamie Caven at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Friday evening to book his place in the last 16 at Alexandra Palace.

Van Barneveld had led 2-1 only to lose the next two sets - both in deciding legs - to fall 3-2 behind to the 37-year-old, who missed double 12 for a nine-darter in the fourth set.

However, van Barneveld called upon of all his big stage experience to win six of the next seven legs as he came through in the deciding set.

The first set ended in dramatic fashion as Caven hit a fantastic 136 checkout to draw first blood, after van Barneveld had missed dart at double top for the lead.

Van Barneveld edged the next two sets to lead 2-1 and looked on course to win the fourth set by taking the first two legs before Caven roared back to win the next two legs in levelling.

The deciding leg saw Caven hit scores of 180 and 177 to set up a possible nine-darter, before hitting two treble 20s in the 144 combination - only to miss double 12 for a third perfect leg of the tournament.

Caven recovered to win that leg on double six to level the match, and then won the fifth set in a decider with an excellent 12-darter, having found himself 2-1 down.

However, from that point on van Barneveld found his range and won six of the next seven legs to progress and keep alive his hopes of a sixth World Championship title, ending the game with a 99.65 average - the highest in this year's event so far.


Match Information
First Set
0-1 - van Barneveld misses one dart at tops for a 120 finish and Caven takes out a confident 93 checkout for an early lead.
1-1 - The Dutch superstar levels up thanks to an accurate third dart at double top.
1-2 - Caven records a 180 before landing double five for a 15-dart finish.
2-2 - Caven posts another maximum, but van Barneveld is more consistent and wins the leg on double eight.
2-3 - One missed dart at double top from van Barneveld is pounced on by his opponent, who converts a fantastic 136 checkout to edge the first set.

Second Set
1-0 - The five-time World Champion holds throw on double ten.
2-0 - van Barneveld converts a 101 finish to win the second leg against the darts.
2-1 - Caven hits double 16 to steal the leg after van Barneveld is guilty of wasting six chances to end the set.
2-2 - Caven lands double top to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - van Barneveld fails to land a treble with his first six darts to hand the initiative to Caven, who misses one dart just high of tops as the Dutch star takes out a pressure 74 finish on double eight.

Third Set
0-1 - Caven hits consecutive 140s to take command of the leg, and the Derby-based thrower wins the leg on double two.
1-1 - van Barneveld defies a 177 from his opponent as he hits double eight.
1-2 - van Barneveld is off-target on double 16 for a 132 checkout - after setting up the double with two bullseyes - before missing three more shots at doubles as Caven capitalises with a two-dart 88 finish.
2-2 - The Dutch superstar recovers from the mistakes of the previous leg to take out 86 in two darts.
3-2 - van Barneveld hits a trio of 140 scores to leave 81, which he takes on double 16 for a clinical 12-dart finish.

Fourth Set
1-0 - The 2007 World Champion hits a 180 before taking out a 76 finish in two darts.
2-0 - van Barneveld continues the excellent form of the previous two legs as he leaves 32 after 12 darts, before hitting double 16 to break.
2-1 - Caven responds in brilliant style as he hits a third 180 before landing double 18 at the first attempt for a superb ten-dart finish.
2-2 - Caven hits double 16 with an accurate third dart to force a deciding leg for the fourth set running.
2-3 - Caven starts the fifth leg in great fashion with a 180 and follows that with a 177 to set up the chance of a nine-darter, and in his bid for the 144 finish he hits the treble 20 bed on two more occasions before agonisingly missing double 12 for a perfect leg. Van Barneveld hits a 140 to leave 60 in reply, but Caven holds his nerve to hit double six with a pressure third dart to win the set.

Fifth Set
1-0 - van Barneveld opens the set with a brilliant 11-darter, which features his fourth 180.
1-1 - Caven replies with a maximum of his own before hitting double top at the first time of asking.
2-1 - van Barneveld posts back-to-back 180s to continue the high standard before hitting double eight to complete a 15-dart finish.
2-2 - Caven hits double top with an accurate third dart to convert a 56 finish.
2-3 - Caven fires in a brilliant 177 to leave 36, which he takes out on double nine to lead for the first time since the first set.

Sixth Set
1-0 - The Dutchman hits double top to record a 115 finish.
2-0 - Caven misses double 16 for a 108 finish and van Barneveld hits the same double to break throw.
3-0 - van Barneveld hits a 93 finish, for a 14-darter, to send the game into a final set.

Seventh Set
1-0 - van Barneveld hits double six at the first attempt to break Caven's throw.
2-0 - One missed dart at tops gives Caven hope, but he fails with two chances at double eight and the Dutchman returns to hit double ten and move a leg away from victory.
2-1 - Caven continues to fight and takes out a 78 finish on double top.
3-1 - Consistent scoring from van Barneveld sees him leave 24 after 12 darts, and he hits double six to end a thriller.

Match Stats

Raymond van Barneveld	4-3	Jamie Caven
25	100+	31
1	140+	20
0	170+	5
6	180	6
99.65	Average	96.05
115	High Finish	136
7	Breaks of Throw	5
18/41 - 43.90%	Finishing - %	14/33 - 42.42%

MICHAEL SMITH 4-3 PHIL TAYLOR
(0-3, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 4-2)
MICHAEL SMITH stunned Phil Taylor with one of the biggest shocks in Ladbrokes World Championship history, taking a 4-3 victory over the reigning champion after coming through a dramatic final set 4-2 in a tie-break.

The PDC Unicorn Youth World Champion was behind three times in the game, but came back on each occasion to force a deciding set, before crossing the finish line with a fantastic 128 checkout to leave the 16-time World Champion stunned.

Taylor breezed through the first set, which featured a brilliant 156 checkout in the opening leg, before Smith hit back to take the second with an excellent 121 finish, on the bullseye, to draw level.

Smith appeared to have let a big opportunity slip after missing two darts at double top to win the third set, as Taylor took his chance with a two-dart 81 finish to move ahead for a second time.

However, the St Helens star recovered to win the fourth set in a deciding leg - only to miss four chances to win the fifth in a decider, as Taylor posted double eight to edge ahead for a third time.

Again Smith put that disappointment behind as he flashed through the sixth set without reply from his opponent, before following up an 11-darter in a dramatic seventh set by winning the match in a tie-break by taking out a 128 finish on the bullseye to complete an amazing win.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Taylor starts in imperious fashion with fantastic 156 checkout.
2-0 - The defending champion hits an excellent 13-darter to continue his good start.
3-0 - Taylor hits a 180 to leave 52, and after Smith misses tops for a 105 finsh, Taylor hits the same bed at the first attempt to round-off a brilliant opening set.

Second Set
0-1 - Smith breaks his opponent's throw on double four to win his first leg of the game.
0-2 - The winning double proves elusive for both players as Smith misses eight chances only for Taylor to miss seven opportunities, allowing the World Youth Champion to edge home on double one.
1-2 - Taylor misses three shots at double 14 but returns to hit the after Smith is off-target on the bullseye for a 115 finish.
1-3 - The world number one hits his third 180, only for the St Helens youngster to take out an excellent 121 finish on the bullseye to level the match.

Third Set
0-1 - Smith continues his superb form on the finishing as he records a 141 checkout.
0-2 - The 23-year-old hits double top at the first attempt after Taylor had missed one dart at the same double for a 120 finish.
1-2 - Taylor hits double 16 to win the third leg against the darts.
2-2 - Taylor lands double top at the first attempt to complete a 13-dart finish.
3-2 - Dramatic deciding leg sees Smith miss two darts at double top to move 2-1 up, and Taylor shows his brilliance under pressure as he takes out 81 in two darts.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Smith recovers from the disappointment of the previous leg as he hits a 180 followed by an accurate third dart at double five to break throw.
1-1 - Taylor misses two opportunities to win the leg, but Smith is unable to capitalise and the world number one returns to hit double eight.
2-1 - Taylor converts a two-dart 89 finish to hold throw.
2-2 - Smith takes command the leg opening with scores of 177 and 140. However, two missed darts at doubles gives Taylor hope, only a missed dart at bullseye sees Smith return to hit double five.
2-3 - Smith leaves 70 after 12 darts and hits double top to draw level with his illustrious opponent for the second time.

Fifth Set
0-1 - Smith moves into the lead as he hits double eight, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
1-1 - Taylor misses three darts at doubles but Smith fails to capitalise as he is unable to land double top with one attempt, and the reigning champion returns to hit double nine.
1-2 - Taylor leaves 32 after 12 darts, only for Smith to take out a 67 finish on the bullseye.
2-2 - The top seed takes out a 65 finish to record a 14-darter.
3-2 - A crucial leg sees both players miss a dart for the set before Smith fails with three more attempts double top - and Taylor hits double eight to move back ahead in following potentially pivotal set.

Sixth Set
0-1 - The St Helens ace starts the set brightly as hits double nine to break Taylor's throw.
0-2 - Smith hits double eight at the first attempt with his opponent waiting on tops.
0-3 - Smith lands a second maximum of the game to leave 61, which he takes out on double top to send the game into a deciding set.

Seventh Set
1-0 - Taylor hits a 180, and though he initially misses two darts at double 12 to break, he is allowed to return on double six to move ahead against the throw.
1-1 - Taylor fails to capitalise on the break of throw as four missed darts at double seven prove expensive in allowing Smith in to hit double 15.
1-2 - Smith hits consecutive 180s, which are sandwiched by one from Taylor, before taking out an 81 finish for a fantastic 11-darter.
2-2 - Taylor holds throw under immense pressure by landing double ten to force a tie-break where a player must win by two clear legs.
2-3 - Smith hits double 18 to move a leg away from a famous win for a second time with an excellent 13-darter.
2-4 - The St Helens ace hits a sixth 180 of the game before taking out an amazing 128 checkout, on the bullseye, to claim the biggest win of his career so far, setting up a third round clash with Peter Wright in the process.

Match Stats

Phil Taylor	3-4	Michael Smith
39	100+	34
18	140+	30
1	170+	1
5	180	6
95.55	Average	94.55
156	High Finish	141
7	Breaks of Throw	8
14/39 - 35.90%	Finishing - %	17/47 - 36.17%