TERRY JENKINS and Kyle Anderson wrote their names into the history books with nine-darters at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Saturday afternoon - but both fell to defeat in a dramatic session at Alexandra Palace!
Seven-time major finalist Jenkins hit only the sixth nine-dart finish in the history of the tournament during a thrilling first round clash with Danish qualifier Per Laursen.
The 50-year-old had twice hit back from a set down to level the game, before hitting two 180s and a 141 finish in the second leg of the deciding set.
Jenkins' joy, though, was short-lived as Laursen won the final set 4-2 in a tie-break, following his earlier 4-2 legs win over Colin McGarry in the preliminary round, as he won through to the last 32.
"I've always said that I need to hit nine-darters to win games, but even that wasn't enough today!" admitted Jenkins, who also hit a 170 checkout during the game.
"I knew I was practising well and I said to my mate beforehand that I thought I was going to hit a nine-darter.
"I felt I played really well but I don't seem to get those second chances. It was my fault in the last set, but it shouldn't have gone to the last set and the way I was playing I should have won beforehand."
Laursen now progresses to play Peter Wright in the second round, having reached the last 32 for the third time on the World Championship stage.
An hour after Jenkins' amazing feat, top Australian ace Kyle Anderson matched his achievement in his clash with Ian White, landing two maximums and a 141 checkout in the opening leg of the fourth set.
The Australian Grand Prix champion's achievement will see him share the nine-dart bonus of £30,000 with Jenkins - should no other player land a perfect leg in the remainder of the tournament - and saw him be the seventh to achieve the landmark in the World Championship.
Although Queensland-based Anderson went on to lose both the set and the match 3-1, the 26-year-old could barely hide his pride in becoming only the second Australian to hit a televised nine-dart finish, behind Simon Whitlock.
"The nine-darter was the highlight of my game, something special," said Anderson, whose rise to the top of the game in Australia has been supported by boxing World Champion Anthony Mundine, who champions Aboriginal sporting talent.
A dramatic afternoon session at Alexandra Palace also saw seeded stars Mark Walsh and Wayne Jones knocked out of the £1 million-plus, 72-player event.
Former UK Open finalist Walsh went down 3-1 to Finland's Jarkko Komula, who won through to the second round for the first time at Alexandra Palace.
Komula opened up a two-set lead, hitting a 126 checkout as he came from 2-1 down to edge the first, and though Walsh finished 121 to win the third set in a deciding leg, the Finn punished five misses from his opponent in the final leg of set four to complete his triumph.
Wolverhampton's Jones, a World Championship semi-finalist in 2006, was another big name to be eliminated on Saturday afternoon as he went down in a deciding set to Kevin McDine.
McDine made a fine start to win the opening set 3-1 before Jones won six of the next nine legs to move himself in front at 2-1.
McDine - who had to win back his Tour Card at Qualifying School in January - took the fourth set 3-0 to force a decider, before sweeping through the final set without reply.
Former finalists Andy Hamilton and Gary Anderson won through to the second round of the tournament with victories at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night, as Robert Thornton and Paul Nicholson also picked up wins.
Hamilton, the 2012 runner-up to Adrian Lewis, began his bid to go one better this time with a strong display to see off Spanish debutant Julio Barbero 3-1.
Barbero had defeated Germany's Andree Welge 4-1 in an impressive preliminary round triumph earlier in the night, and after Hamilton took the first set of their clash 3-1, the Spaniard shared the next two, which both went 3-2.
However, missed doubles from the Spanish ace proved costly in the opening two legs of the fourth set as Hamilton took a 2-0 lead, before he sealed the victory with an 86 finish.
2011 finalist Anderson, who also lost out to Lewis at Alexandra Palace, overcame 2005 runner-up Mark Dudbridge in straight sets as he booked his place in the second round.
Dudbridge, making his return to the World Championship stage, won the game's opening leg only to see the Scot reel off the next three to win the opening set, before a 13-darter saw him take the second set's decider.
Anderson then won the next three legs without reply to sweep through the third set and complete victory with a 97.83 average.
Former UK Open champion Thornton came from a set down to defeat German teenager Robert Thornton 3-1, as the 17-year-old continued his emergence at the top level with a second World Championship appearance.
After Thornton won the game's opening leg, Hopp took the next three with some fine darts to win the first set, and led 2-1 in the second before the Scot took back-to-back legs to level the contest.
Thornton then won the third set without reply to put himself in command, before taking the next 3-1 to seal a second round date with Colin Lloyd or Beau Anderson.
Paul Nicholson was Saturday night's other winner, as he dropped only three legs in a straight sets victory over Stuart Kellett.
Nicholson, a quarter-finalist in 2009, won the first set 3-1 and took the second without reply to take command of the match, and though the emerging Cheshire ace shared the first four legs of the third set, it was the number 20 seed who took the decider to seal the win.
The first round continues on Sunday night, with five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in action against Welsh youngster Jamie Lewis, while another Dutch star, former Lakeside Champion Jelle Klaasen, plays Jamie Caven.
World Grand Prix finalist Dave Chisnall opens the night against John Henderson, while Brendan Dolan is up against the winner of the preliminary round clash between Danish debutant Dennis Lindskjold and Colin Osborne, who was a late replacement for Philippines Qualifier Edward Santos, who withdrew last weekend due to travel problems.
Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Saturday December 14
Afternoon Session (12pm)
Mark Walsh 1-3 Jarkko Komula
Colin McGarry 2-4 Per Laursen (P)
Wayne Jones 2-3 Kevin McDine
Terry Jenkins 2-3 Per Laursen
Ian White 3-1 Kyle Anderson
Evening Session (7pm)
Julio Barbero 4-1 Andree Welge (P)
Robert Thornton 3-1 Max Hopp
Gary Anderson 3-0 Mark Dudbridge
Andy Hamilton 3-1 Julio Barbero
Paul Nicholson 3-0 Stuart Kellett
JARKKO KOMULA 3-1 MARK WALSH
(3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2)
JARKKO KOMULA sent the number 29 seed Mark Walsh crashing out of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 3-1 victory on the opening day of day two at Alexandra Palace.
Walsh took two of the opening three legs of the match before Komula won the fourth leg with a clinical 126 checkout, and the Finn then took out a 72 finish to take the opening set.
The Finn, making his third appearance at Alexandra Palace, won the second set to leave Walsh trouble and went a leg away from victory twice in the third set, only for the former UK Open finalist to edge the set with a superb 121 checkout.
The fourth set also went to a deciding leg as nerves kicked in to affect both players, with Komula missing six chances to win the match only for Walsh to miss five doubles of his own to force a deciding set, allowing the Finnish ace to return and hit double 14 to seal a second round tie against Simon Whitlock or Ross Smith.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Walsh hits tops for a 76 finish to take first leg of the game.
1-1 - Komula hits 180 to leave 40 but misses three darts at tops, Walsh is unable to hit bullseye for a 95 finish and Komula lands double five with third dart.
2-1 - Walsh misses six shots at doubles only for Komula to miss four attempts of his own. Walsh hits double two with a pressure third dart.
2-2 - Komula takes out a clinical 126 checkout to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Komula kicks-off with a 180 before taking out 72 finish on double three with his third dart to edge the set.
Second Set
0-1 - Komula hits back-to-back 180s to raise hopes a nine-darter. The seventh attempt at a treble 20 is off-target but he wins the leg in just 13-darts.
1-1 - Walsh missed tops for 111 but hits double five with third dart.
1-2 - Komula leaves 76 after 12-dart and goes on to hit double eight to win the leg.
1-3 - Finn hits fifth maximum of the match and hits double 20 for a 15-darter to establish a 2-0 lead.
Third Set
1-0 - The former UK Open finalist starts the set well by converting a 118 finish.
1-1 - Walsh is unable to hit tops for a 76 finish and Komula hits double ten to level.
1-2 - Walsh is guilty of missing three attempts at double top and Komula cashes in by landing double ten.
2-2 - The number 29 seed misses the bullseye for a 121 finish but returns to land double eight with his opponent waiting on a two-darter for the match.
3-2 - Walsh seals the set in style by converting a 121 checkout on double 14.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Komula hits a sixth 180 in the process of claiming the leg in 14-darts.
1-1 - Walsh levels thanks to a clinical 120 checkout.
1-2 - Both players miss one dart at double before Komula wins it on double 16 to go a leg away from victory for the second time.
2-2 - Walsh strings together a trio of 140 scores before landing double 20 for a 13-darter.
2-3 - Dramatic leg sees Komula miss six opportunities to win the match only for Walsh to miss five chances to force a deciding set and Komula lands double 14 with a vital third dart.
Match Stats
| Mark Walsh | 1-3 | Jarkko Komula |
| 37 | 100+ | 25 |
| 14 | 140+ | 10 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 0 | 180 | 6 |
| 86.51 | Average | 84.57 |
| 121 | High Finish | 126 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 8/32 - 25% | Finishing - % | 11/38 - 28.95% |
PER LAURSEN 4-2 COLIN McGARRY
DENMARK’S Per Laursen came out on top in a high-quality preliminary round contest against Colin McGarry to seal a first round clash against Terry Jenkins at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
McGarry, who won the Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay to qualify for his first World Championship in a decade, won the opening leg before Laursen took the next two legs to lead.
McGarry levelled with an excellent 106 checkout before Laursen continued the excellent finish with a 121 combination to lead once again.
The Dane, appearing the World Championship for an eighth time in nine years, then won the match in style thanks to a fabulous 11-darter which featured two maximums.
Match Information
1-0 - McGarry misses double top for a 160 checkout but returns to hit double ten.
1-1 - Laursen takes out 52 to level the contest.
1-2 - McGarry hits a 180 but Laursen hits double 16 to take the lead.
2-2 - The Irishman levels the contest with an excellent 106 finish.
3-2 - Laursen continues the high standard as he records a 121 checkout to go a leg away from triumph.
4-2 - The Dane wraps up the win in style with a superb 11-darter which featured two maximums.
Match Stats
| Colin McGarry | 2-4 | Per Laursen |
| 4 | 100+ | 7 |
| 6 | 140+ | 3 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 2 |
| 84.71 | Average | 91.55 |
| 36 | High Finish | 121 |
| 1 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 2/3 - 66.67% | Finishing - % | 4/5 - 80% |
KEVIN McDINE 3-2 WAYNE JONES
(3-1, 2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
KEVIN McDINE overturned a 2-1 deficit to end Wayne Jones’ hopes in the opening round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Saturday afternoon.
McDine won the opening set only for Jones to claim the next two, but with the aid of missed doubles from his opponent, the world number 71 won six of the next seven legs to progress to the second round.
After taking the first set, the 2007 Grand Slam of Darts semi-finalist was a leg away from establishing a two-set lead only for Jones to take out a clinical 117 to level the contest.
The 2006 World Championship semi-finalist then hit a purple patch in the third set, which he won with the aid of 120 and 100 checkouts - only suffer on his doubles in the fourth set, allowing McDine to win the set 3-1 and level.
Jones was unable to recover from those errors as McDine won the fifth set without reply, which was concluded by a fantastic 12-darter which included two maximums from the Irthlingborough ace as he booked a second round spot.
Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Jones is off-target with chances to take the opening leg which goes to McDine, who hits double ten.
0-2 - McDine hits a 180 before landing double top to double his lead.
1-2 - Jones hits a maximum of his own before taking out 64 on double 16 to get a leg on the board.
1-3 - The Wolverhampton ace is unable to land double 13 for an 81 finish and McDine takes the chance to hit double nine to take an early lead.
Second Set
1-0 - Jones makes a winning start to the set as he hits double six in a leg which included a 180 from the 31st seed.
2-0 - The Wolverhampton man breaks throw on double 16 after McDine missed a host of opportunties to level.
2-1 - McDine puts the disappointment of the previous leg behind him as he lands double top for a 65 finish.
2-2 - Jones is off-target on double top to win the set and McDine hits double ten to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Jones levels the match thanks to an excellent 117 checkout.
Third Set
1-0 - Jones breaks McDine's throw as he takes out a 120 finish.
2-0 - The former World Championship semi-finalist takes out 72 to win a third leg in a row.
2-1 - McDine defies a 180 from his opponent as he hits double 12 to complete a 78 finish.
3-1 - McDine is just off-target with his attempt at bullseye and Jones hits a 100 finish to win the set.
Fourth Set
1-0 - McDine just misses the bullseye for a second leg running and Jones takes out 80 in two-darts to continue his form on the finishes.
1-1 - Both players register maximums before McDine wins the leg on double eight thanks to an accurate third dart.
1-2 - McDine hits his fourth 180 of the contest and lands double 16 at the first time of asking.
1-3 - The pressure shows on both players as McDine misses six chances to win the set only for Jones to fail with a total of 11 shots at doubles, as McDine finally claims the leg on double two to send the match to a fifth set.
Fifth Set
0-1 - Jones fires in his fifth 180 but McDine holds throw as he takes out 50 in two darts.
0-2 - McDine hits double top to move a leg away from victory after Jones wastes six chances to level.
0-3 - McDine seals the match in style with a 12-dart finish which featured two maximums.
Match Stats
| Wayne Jones | 2-3 | Kevin McDine |
| 30 | 100+ | 22 |
| 11 | 140+ | 8 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 7 |
| 89.75 | Average | 91.80 |
| 120 | High Finish | 78 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 8/34 - 23.53% | Finishing - % | 12/35 - 34.29% |
PER LAURSEN 3-2 TERRY JENKINS
(3-1, 0-3, 3-2, 0-3, 4-2)
PER LAURSEN created the biggest shock of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship so far as he knocked out seven-time major finalist Terry Jenkins - who hit a fantastic nine-darter and a 170 checkout - in a thrilling first round encounter.
Laursen had to win through his preliminary round game with Colin McGarry earlier in the day but led the match twice, only for Jenkins to hit back on both occasions to force a deciding set - where the number 17 seed achieved the fantastic milestone of a perfect leg.
However, the 47-year-old Danish ace showed great nerve to win the final set in a tie-break to reach the last 32 stage for the third time.
Laursen edged the first set with an excellent 82 finish after Jenkins missed one dart to take it for himself, before the former semi-finalist levelled by taking the second set without reply.
However, Laursen moved in front once again as he claimed the third set in a deciding leg, only for Jenkins to roar back and take the fourth, which featured a 170 checkout from the Ledbury ace.
Jenkins achieved the fantastic nine-dart finish in the second leg of the final set after hitting scores of 180, 180 and 141 - putting himself in line for a share of the £30,000 bonus and writing his name into the history books as only the seventh player to hit a nine-darter in the Ladbrokes World Championship.
Laursen, though, refused to buckle and won the match in by taking the deciding set 4-2 in a tie-break to set up a second round tie against Peter Wright.
Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Both players hit 180s with their first three darts of the game, and Laursen holds throw by hitting double eight.
1-1 - The Ledbury repeats the trick as he kicks off with a 180 again, before going on to hit double four for a 68 finish.
1-2 - Laursen holds throw for second time by landing double 12 in a leg which included a 180 from the Dane.
1-3 - Jenkins misses one dart at tops and the clinical Laursen makes his opponent pay as he hits the same bed for an 82 finish to put the former semi-finalist under pressure.
Second Set
1-0 - Jenkins puts the loss of the first set behind him as he converts a 106 checkout to take the first leg.
2-0 - The number 17 seed hits double top to complete a 13-darter against the throw.
3-0 - Jenkins hits a fourth 180 and posts double 14 to level the match after Laursen missed one dart at tops.
Third Set
1-0 - Jenkins misses double 15 for a 150 checkout but returns to hit double four to continue his winning run of legs.
1-1 - Laursen takes out 96 in two darts to secure an immediate break after Jenkins was off-target with three attempts to double his lead.
1-2 - The Dane hits double top at the first attempt to record a 13-dart finish.
2-2 - Jenkins stops his opponent's purple patch as he hits double top to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Laursen shows great skill as he hits a trio of 140 scores and goes to win the leg on double eight to lead the match for the second time.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Jenkins keeps up the fight as he records a fantastic 170 checkout.
2-0 - The 2011 World Championship semi-finalist hits his eighth 180 of the game before taking out 78 on double 12.
3-0 - Jenkins hits double ten to wrap up the set without reply from his opponent.
Fifth Set
0-1 - Laursen starts the final set confidently as he completes a 14-darter on double 16.
1-1 - Jenkins hits his ninth and tenth 180s of the game to ignite hopes of a nine-darter and calmly slots in treble 20, treble 19 and double 12 to take out 141 and complete the magical feat of a nine-dart finish - potentially earning him a £30,000 bonus!
1-2 - Laursen continues the superb standard as he stuns Jenkins with a brilliant 122 checkout to move a leg away from victory.
2-2 - Jenkins hits back with a clinical 116 finish to send the match into a tie-break situation.
2-3 - The tension now starts to show as both players miss two chances to win the leg before Laursen holds throw on double ten.
2-4 - Jenkins hits an 11th maximum to leave 36 after 12 darts, but three misses at doubles are costly as Laursen hits double nine to claim a famous victory.
Match Stats
| Terry Jenkins | 2-3 | Per Laursen |
| 20 | 100+ | 25 |
| 12 | 140+ | 10 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 4 |
| 95.91 | Average | 89.45 |
| 170 | High Finish | 122 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 11/32 - 34.38% | Finishing - % | 10/18 - 55.56% |
IAN WHITE 3-1 KYLE ANDERSON
(1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
IAN WHITE defied a magical nine-darter from Australian Kyle Anderson to progress to the last 32 of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 3-1 win.
The 26-year-old Australian posted the second nine-darter of an astonishing afternoon, following Terry Jenkins brilliant effort only an hour earlier – but also suffered the same fate of defeat as the world number 17.
Anderson started the better of the two players, taking the four of the opening five legs of the game before White found his scoring power to win the next six legs and take a 2-1 lead in sets.
Incredibly, Anderson broke White’s winning run of legs by hitting scores of 180, 180 and 141 to record the fourth nine-darter in the space of two years at Alexandra Palace - currently holding £15,000 in bonus prize money along with Terry Jenkins.
However, that would be the final leg that Anderson would win as White showed great professionalism to win the next three legs and end a thriller to book a second round clash against either Kim or Ronny Huybrechts.
Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Anderson shows few signs of nerves as he breaks White's throw with an excellent 110 finish.
1-1 - The 21st seed hits back immediately as he hits double top to level.
1-2 - The Australian breaks throw for a second time by hitting double two after White was off-target with three shots at double top.
1-3 - White hits the first 180 of the game but a missed dart at bullseye for a 121 checkout sees Anderson step in on double 18 for a fine 14-darter to win the set.
Second Set
0-1 - Anderson hits his first 180 and takes out a 100 finish with his opponent waiting on 36.
1-1 - White holds throw on double 18 to level.
2-1 - Both players hit 180s before the Australian adds another maximum to take command. However, he misses four darts at doubles and White makes his opponent pay by taking out 60 on tops to break throw.
3-1 - White takes out 60 on tops for the second leg running the square the game at one set apiece.
Third Set
1-0 - Anderson posts a fourth 180 but White applies pressure with a 177 to leave 16. The Australian succumbs as he is off-target with one dart at double eight, and White hits the same bed to win a fourth straight leg.
2-0 - White lands double ten to break throw and continue the winning run of legs.
3-0 - The Stoke ace takes out a clinical two-dart 75 finish to move a set away from victory.
Fourth Set
0-1 - Anderson hits back-to-back 180s to raise hopes of a second nine-darter in the afternoon. Just like Terry Jenkins, the Australian slots home treble 20, treble 19, double 12 for the second nine-dart finish of the afternoon - now holding a share of the £30,000 prize along with Jenkins for achieving the brilliant feat.
1-1 - White manages to hold throw to level the set following the Australian's fantastic nine-darter.
2-1 - White takes out a 112 finish to break throw with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
3-1 - The 21st seed produces the more consistent scoring and takes out 84 on double eight to end a memorable contest.
Match Stats
| Ian White | 3-1 | Kyle Anderson |
| 14 | 100+ | 6 |
| 12 | 140+ | 9 |
| 4 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 6 |
| 97.02 | Average | 89.68 |
| 112 | High Finish | 141 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 10/24 - 41.67% | Finishing - % | 5/12 - 41.67% |
EVENING SESSION
JULIO BARBERO 4-1 ANDREE WELGE
JULIO BARBERO produced an impressive Ladbrokes World Championship debut as he beat Germany’s Andree Welge 4-1 to set up a first round tie with Andy Hamilton.
Welge started confidently with a 180, but Barbero claimed an early lead by hitting double top and then doubled that advantage after Welge missed six opportunities to level.
The 43-year-old Spanish qualifier hit a 180 of his own in the third leg, but missed a dart to pull further clear and Welge finished 91 in two darts to get back into the contest.
Barbero hit double ten to move 3-1 ahead and then closed out the game in the next leg on double five after Welge missed two chances to keep the match alive.
Match Information
1-0 - Welge hits a 180, but Barbero is first to a finish and hits double top to hold throw.
2-0 - The German is guilty of wasting six opportunties to level and the Spanish qualifier hits double 16 at the fourth attempt to move clear of Welge.
2-1 - Barbero hits a maximum, but a missed dart at tops proves expensive as Welge takes out 91 in two darts to reduce the deficit.
3-1 - Barbero lands double ten to restore his two leg lead and go within touching distance of reaching the first round.
4-1 - Welge misses two opportunties to keep the match alive and Barbero hits double five to seal victory over his more experienced opponent.
Match Stats
| Julio Barbero | 4-1 | Andree Welge |
| 6 | 100+ | 6 |
| 3 | 140+ | 2 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 1 | 180 | 1 |
| 84.03 | Average | 79.65 |
| 40 | High Finish | 91 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 0 |
| 4/12 - 33.33% | Finishing - % | 1/9 - 11.11% |
ROBERT THORNTON 3-1 MAX HOPP
(1-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-1)
ROBERT THORNTON came from a set down to end the challenge of exciting German teenager Max Hopp to reach the last 32 stage of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old from Idstein gave Thornton something to think about as he took out clinical finishes of 68 and 64 to win the first set.
The German was 2-1 ahead in the second set before Thornton stepped things up by taking the next five legs in succession to go a set away from victory.
The 2012 UK Open champion hit a two-dart 100 finish in the fourth set to move a leg away from victory and rounded of the win in the next leg with a 14-dart-finish.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Thornton holds throw comfortably as he hits double eight to win the first leg.
1-1 - The German youngster takes out an excellent 68 finish with his opponent waiting on tops.
1-2 - Thornton is made to pay for two missed darts at double four as Hopp takes out 64 on double top.
1-3 - The number nine seed misses double seven for a 122 finish and Hopp hits double top for a second leg running to win the set and put Thornton under pressure.
Second Set
0-1 - Hopp continues his form of the first set as he hits third 180 of the game before winning the leg on double six.
1-1 - Thornton re-discovers his range as he scores of 180 and 140 followed by double top to win just his second leg of the game.
1-2 - Hopp posts his fourth 180 to take command give, and though he initially misses his doubles, Thornton misses three darts to steal the leg to allow the German in to finish a pressure double one.
2-2 - Thornton hits double top to complete a 65 finish and hold throw.
3-2 - The Scot hits a timely 180 to take control of the leg and goes on to hit double 20 to level the match at one set apiece.
Third Set
1-0 - Thornton holds throw on double two with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
2-0 - The number nine seed wins the second leg against the darts by hitting double top.
3-0 - Both players miss two darts at doubles before Thornton hits double ten to win a fifth leg in a row and move 2-1 up in sets.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Thornton hits a third 180 and wins the leg on double four after Hopp misses two chances at double double 16.
1-1 - Both players leave 40 after 12 darts thrown. Thornton is first to a finish but the Scot wastes three shots at double top and Hopp wins his first leg in seven on double ten.
2-1 - Thornton takes out 100 in two darts to move a leg away from the second round.
3-1 - Thornton fires in a fourth 180 before sealing the match with a fine 14-dart-finish.
Match Stats
| Robert Thornton | 3-1 | Max Hopp |
| 28 | 100+ | 21 |
| 8 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 4 |
| 86.86 | Average | 80.17 |
| 100 | High Finish | 68 |
| 4 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 10/35 - 28.57% | Finishing - % | 6/27 - 22.22% |
GARY ANDERSON 3-0 MARK DUDBRIDGE
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0)
GARY ANDERSON overcame the challenge of a resurgent Mark Dudbridge with a straightforward 3-0 win in the opening round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
The 2005 World Championship finalist, who has battled back brilliantly from injury in 2013, was unable to really get into the game as he was swept aside by the Scotsman as Anderson - who lost in the 2011 final - averaged over 97 in a solid display.
Anderson, who has been involved in his fair share of dramatic first round encounters at Alexandra Palace, won the first set by a 3-1 margin before coming back from 2-1 down to take the second set with the aid of a 100 checkout followed by an excellent 13-darter in the fifth leg to confirm the 2-0 lead.
The 2011 Premier League champion continued to hold command of the game as he romped through the third set without reply, hitting a 13-darter to ease through to the last 32 of the competition.
Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Anderson misses three shots at doubles and Dudbridge lands double ten to secure an early break of throw.
1-1 - The 2011 World Championship finalist hits double ten to break back immediately.
2-1 - Anderson hits double five with his third dart to win a second leg in a row.
3-1 - Dudbridge is just off-target with his attempt at the bullseye, and Anderson hits double 16 to wrap up the first set.
Second Set
1-0 - Anderson breaks throw with a 13-darter to make an excellent start to the second set.
1-1 - Dudbridge hits a brilliant 177 to take command of the leg and lands double 16 for a 14-darter.
1-2 - Both players miss one chance to claim the leg before Dudbridge hits double eight thanks to an accurate third dart.
2-2 - The former Premier League champion takes out 100 on double ten.
3-2 - Anderson hits a second 180 and leaves 40 after 12 darts, which he duly converts at the first attempt for a two-set lead.
Third Set
1-0 - Anderson hits five straight treble 20s, but the sixth attempt is just low, ending hopes of a third nine-darter of the day! The Scotsman goes on to win the leg on double two.
2-0 - The Scotsman hits a superb 165 score to leave 40 after 12 darts before winning the leg on double five.
3-0 - Anderson rounds off a fine performance by landing double 16 to confirm his place in the second round.
Match Stats
| Gary Anderson | 3-0 | Mark Dudbridge |
| 17 | 100+ | 14 |
| 9 | 140+ | 4 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 3 | 180 | 1 |
| 97.83 | Average | 90.40 |
| 100 | High Finish | 41 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 9/20 - 45% | Finishing - % | 3/7 - 42.86% |
ANDY HAMILTON 3-1 JULIO BARBERO
(3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0)
ANDY HAMILTON overcame the spirited challenge Julio Barbero with a four-set victory in the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
Hamilton, the runner-up two years ago, won the opening set by a 3-1 scoreline before the second also fell in favour of the Stoke ace when he landed double five in the deciding leg to move two sets up.
Barbero, who impressed in his preliminary round win over Andree Welge earlier in the night, was not put off by the uphill task and continued to fight as he deservedly took the third set 3-2 thanks to an excellent 63 finish.
However, Hamilton stepped up a gear and won the fourth set without reply in a run which included finishes of 112 and 86 in the last two legs.
Hamilton now faces Richie Burnett for a place in the last 16, and added: “I beat Richie here 12 months ago 4-1, which flattered me a little as the first couple of sets where very close. It’s good to know that I’ve beaten him on this stage and that gives me an advantage going into our game next Saturday."
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Hamilton settles immediately with scores of 134 and 180 before winning the leg with a 12-dart-finish to break throw.
1-1 - Barbero misses five chances to level but Hamilton fails with three attempts to hold throw and the Spanish thrower returns to hit double nine.
2-1 - The 2012 finalist hits 180 before converting an 86 finish after his opponent missed a dart at bullseye.
3-1 - Hamilton takes the opening set thanks to an accurate attempt at double 12.
Second Set
0-1 - Barbero starts the second set well by breaking Hamilton's throw on double eight.
1-1 - Hamilton hits back with a maximum before landing double four to level.
1-2 - The impressive Spaniard hits first 180 before hitting double 16 to complete a fine 13-darter.
2-2 - Hamilton posts a fourth maximum before winning the leg on double 18 to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - The world number five holds throw for the only time in the set on tops to leave the Spanish qualifier a mountain to climb.
Third Set
0-1 - Barbero kicks-off the leg with a maximum before hitting double top to complete a 14-dart-finish.
1-1 - Hamilton lands double eight with his third dart having missed five attempts at double 16.
1-2 - Barbero wins the leg with an 80 finish to leave Hamilton trailing.
2-2 - Hamilton lands double to four to move a leg away from victory having missed three previous opportunities to close out the leg.
2-3 - Barbero takes out a 63 finish on double top to win the set and keep his hopes alive.
Fourth Set
1-0 - Barbero misses tops for a 75 finish and Hamilton holds throw on double 16.
2-0 - The Spanish thrower is made to pay for three more missed darts at double top as the UK Open finalist takes out a clinical 112 finish to move a leg away from victory for a second time.
3-0 - Barbero hits his third 180 of the game but it proves to be the last three darts he throws as Hamilton takes out 86 to end the match.
Match Stats
| Andy Hamilton | 3-1 | Julio Barbero |
| 18 | 100+ | 16 |
| 7 | 140+ | 16 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 5 | 180 | 3 |
| 92.03 | Average | 93.52 |
| 112 | High Finish | 80 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 11/27 - 40.74% | Finishing - % | 6/20 - 30% |
PAUL NICHOLSON 3-0 STUART KELLETT
(3-1, 3-0, 3-2)
PAUL NICHOLSON defeated Stuart Kellett with a comfortable straight sets victory in the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Saturday evening.
The world number 20, who has yet to better his 2009 quarter-final run on his debut appearance at Alexandra Palace, will now face either Kevin Painter or Germany’s Tomas Seyler in the next round after an impressive opener.
Kellett won the opening leg of the contest before losing the next three to Nicholson, who claimed won the opening set with the aid of 97 and 72 finishes.
Nicholson then took the second set without reply after capitalising on missed doubles from the 32-year-old from Northwich, as he took command in the game.
Kellett improved in the third set, which went to a deciding leg, but the set once again fell the way of Nicholson as he hit double eight to cross the finishing line.
Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Both players hit 180s before Kellett takes out a 64 finish to win the first leg against the darts.
1-1 - Nicholson hits back straight away as he posts double eight to break.
2-1 - Both players record maximums once again before Nicholson takes out a 97 finish to lead.
3-1 - Kellett is just off-target with an attempt at bullseye for a 128 checkout and Nicholson clinically takes out 72 in two darts to win the first set.
Second Set
1-0 - Nicholson lands a third 180 before hitting double four after Kellett misses one more dart at bullseye, this time for a 130 checkout.
2-0 - Kellett hits his third maximum but one missed dart at tops proves expensive as Nicholson hits double eight.
3-0 - Nicholson lands another 180 but Kellett is first to a finish. However, one missed dart at double 16 is again costly as the Aussie hits double top to establish a two-set advantage.
Third Set
0-1 - Kellett takes out a 70 finish on double six with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.
1-1 - Nicholson levels thanks to an accurate third dart at double eight, with Kellett waiting on 36.
2-1 - Nicholson moves a leg away from victory thanks to an clinical two-dart 88 finish.
2-2 - One dart at double 18 to win the match goes high of the target from Nicholson and Kellett hits tops to keep his hopes alive.
3-2 - Kellett is unable to take out 127 and Nicholson hits double eight to win the match.
Match Stats
| Paul Nicholson | 3-0 | Stuart Kellett |
| 17 | 100+ | 10 |
| 9 | 140+ | 9 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 4 |
| 96.82 | Average | 95.09 |
| 97 | High Finish | 84 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 9/19 - 47.37% | Finishing - % | 3/11 - 27.27% |
