PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 7

JAMES WADE and Mark Webster avoided potential upsets in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Thursday night, as they were joined in the second round of the tournament by big guns Wes Newton and Kevin Painter at Alexandra Palace.
World number six Wade, a three-time semi-finalist, stared defeat in the face against Darren Webster as the Norfolk ace led 2-1 in sets before missing six match darts in the deciding leg of the set.

Wade pounced on double ten to save the game, and went on to take the game's deciding set 3-1 to progress to a second round tie with Andy Smith on Monday.

Two-time semi-finalist Mark Webster, the former Lakeside Champion, also endured some nervous moments before defeating Austria's Mensur Suljovic in a fifth-set tie-break.

Suljovic took the game's first set 3-1 and edged the third 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the game, only for Webster to fire through the fourth set without reply to force a decider.

Suljovic took out 130 to lead in the fifth set, but Webster won two of the next three to stay level at two-all before firing in a brilliant 150 finish to break throw before sealing an important win on tops.


Number eight seed Wes Newton progressed to a second round tie with three-time World Champion John Part as he overcame Hong Kong's Ting Chi Royden Lam 3-1.

Lam had enjoyed a 4-1 preliminary round victory over Holland's Gino Vos earlier in the night, and shared the opening four legs of his first round tie with Newton before the Fleetwood ace hit a 14-darter to take the set.

Newton then won the second set without reply, only to see the Greater China Qualifier take the third 3-1, sealing the set by taking out 50 on the bullseye, a standard shot in the soft-tip version of darts in which he is a star in Asia.

His hopes of glory in the steel-tip format, though, would be ended for this year as Newton came from a leg down in the fourth set to seal victory by taking the deciding leg on tops.

Kevin Painter, the 2004 World Championship runner-up, completed the first round action with arguably the most impressive display, dropping only one leg in a ruthless display against Germany's Tomas Seyler.

Seyler opened the game with a 180 and took the first leg only for Painter to sweep through the rest of the contest, hitting nine doubles from 11 attempts and ending the game with a 98.59 average.

The second round begins on Friday night with the first three games in the last 32, with reigning champion Phil Taylor returning to the Alexandra Palace stage for a clash with World Youth Champion Michael Smith.

Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld meets Jamie Caven, and number 16 seed Peter Wright faces Danish qualifier Per Laursen, who had defied a nine-dart finish from Terry Jenkins to win their first round clash.



Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Thursday December 19
Mark Webster 3-2 Mensur Suljovic
Gino Vos 1-4 Ting Chi Royden Lam (P)
James Wade v Darren Webster
Wes Newton 3-1 Ting Chi Royden Lam
Kevin Painter v Tomas Seyler

Preliminary Round (P) - Best of Seven Legs
First Round - Best of Five Sets

MATCH INFORMATION
MARK WEBSTER 3-2 MENSUR SULJOVIC
(1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 4-2)
MARK WEBSTER came through a fifth set tie-break to defeat the plucky Mensur Suljovic in the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The Austrian, who defeated Michael van Gerwen and James Wade en route to third round in 2011, made a blistering start by taking five of the first six legs.

Webster managed to claw his way back to edge the second set in a deciding leg on double seven, before Suljovic claimed a tight third set to move 2-1 ahead.

The former Lakeside Champion won the fourth set comfortably, before holding his nerve in final set tie-break, as he hit a 150 finish to take a 3-2 lead before closing out the game on double top.


Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Webster hits a confidence-boosting 180 before landing double ten to record a 14-darter.
1-1 - Suljovic starts the leg with a 180 and goes to hit double two for a 15-dart finish.
1-2 - The Austrian once again kicks-off the leg with a maximum and hits double ten to break throw.
1-3 - Suljovic records a third 180 in as many legs before hitting double eight to win an impressive opening set.

Second Set
0-1 - Both players post 180s before Suljovic hits double ten for a 14-darter, continuing his impressive standard.
0-2 - Suljovic wins a fifth leg on the spin as he converts a two-dart 70 finish to break.
1-2 - Webster takes out an 80 finish on tops to win the set's third leg against the darts, which featured the Welshman's fourth 180.
2-2 - Suljovic misses three chances to win the set and Webster takes advantage of those errors as he hits double top with a pressure third dart.
3-2 - Webster is off-target with two chances to level, only for Suljovic to miss double top for the set. The pumped-up Welshman returns to hit double seven to edge the set and draw level.

Third Set
1-0 - Suljovic dominates the third set's opening leg with scores of 137, 140, 140, but the Austrian fails with six chances to win the leg and Webster manages to hit double 11 at the sixth time of asking.
1-1 - The tension begins to show in both players as Suljovic fails with nine attempts at doubles, only for Webster to be guilty of wasting ten darts of his own as the Austrian finally wins the leg on double three.
2-1 - Webster recovers from the loss of the previous leg as he hits double top to regain the lead.
2-2 - The Austrian lands double 18 to set up a fifth leg to decide the third set.
2-3 - Suljovic misses the bullseye for a 161 checkout, and goes on to miss three more chances for the set. Webster, though, is unable to capitalise as he is off-target with one dart at tops and Suljovic returns to hit double eight.

Fourth Set
1-0 - The former Lakeside Champion hits double ten to hold throw.
2-0 - Webster hits his fifth 180 of the game and follows that with a 96 finish, ending on double eight, to break his opponent's throw.
3-0 - The Welshman wraps up the fourth set convincingly as he hits double ten, to follow another 180.

Fifth Set
0-1 - Webster looks on course to win a fourth leg in a row by leaving 40 after 15 darts, but Suljovic hits the bullseye for a brilliant 130 checkout.
1-1 - The Welshman starts the leg with a 180 and goes to level the set with a clinical 11-dart-finish.
2-1 - Webster holds his nerve to land double five with an accurate third dart to move ahead.
2-2 - Suljovic hits a superb 170 score to leave 71, which he converts on double top to force a tie-break.
3-2 - Webster produces a brilliant 150 checkout courtesy of treble 20, bullseye and double top to move ahead.
4-2 - Webster hits an eighth 180 to leave 43 and apply pressure as Suljovic, who had made the earlier running, fails to set up a shot at a double attempting a 57 finish, and the left-hander returns to close out the game on tops.

Match Stats

Mark Webster	3-2	Mensur Suljovic
26	100+	26
12	140+	13
0	170+	2
8	180	4
86.70	Average	84.02
150	High Finish	130
6	Breaks of Throw	4
13/41 - 31.71%	Finishing - %	10/40 - 25%

TING CHI ROYDEN LAM 4-1 GINO VOS
HONG KONG’S Ting Chi Royden Lam claimed a fine 4-1 victory over Gino Vos in the preliminary round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship as he enjoyed a successful Alexandra Palace debut.

Lam, who won a PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School last January, opened up a 2-0 advantage before his Dutch opponent - who was defeated by Adrian Lewis 12 months ago - won the third to reduce the gap.

Lam hit double top to restore his two-leg advantage before crossing the winning line in the next, hitting a 180 before landing double ten to set up a clash with Wes Newton later in the evening.

Match Information
0-1 - The Hong Kong debutant starts confidently as he takes out 60 in two darts, to break throw.
0-2 - Lam hits double four to increase his advantage and put the Dutchman under pressure.
1-2 - Vos gets a leg on the board to reduce the deficit.
1-3 - Lam hits double top with an accurate third dart to restore his two-leg advantage.
1-4 - Lam lands double ten to set up a first round clash against Wes Newton.

Match Stats

Gino Vos	1-4	Ting Chi Royden Lam
4	100+	5
2	140+	4
0	170+	0
0	180	0
79.45	Average	79.40
32	High Finish	60
0	Breaks of Throw	2
1/1 - 100%	Finishing - %	4/9 - 44.44%

JAMES WADE 3-2 DARREN WEBSTER
(3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 3-2, 3-1)
JAMES WADE overcame a major scare to progress to the last 32 of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a titanic five-set victory over Darren Webster.

Webster missed six chances to win the match in the deciding leg of the fourth set, having been in clinical form on the doubles earlier in the game in his bid to knock out the world number six..

Wade, a three-time semi-finalist in this event, recovered to force a deciding set, which he took by a 3-1 margin to come through a tough examination.

The first set went with throw throughout as Wade won a deciding leg to move ahead before Webster levelled up by taking a second set which also went the full distance.

The world number six looked on course to take the third when he moved 2-0 up, but five missed darts at doubles over the three next three legs proved expensive, as Webster took a 2-1 lead in the game.

A dramatic fourth set saw the first four legs shared before Webster was first to a finish in the decider, but he missed six darts to claim the win as Wade hit double ten to keep the game alive.

The left-hander then took the opening two legs of the fifth set on his favourite double ten, but one missed dart for the match saw Webster take out a 65 finish to keep his hopes alive.

Wade held the advantage of throw in the fourth leg, and made it count as he recorded a 14-dart finish to cross the winning line and breath a sigh of relief.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - The world number six holds throw on his favourite double ten.
1-1 - Webster misses double 12 for a 141 checkout but returns to hit double six.
2-1 - Wade regains the lead with a 13-darter thanks to an accurate dart at double 12.
2-2 - Webster opens with a score of 174 and levels by hitting double top with his third dart.
3-2 - Wade hits double top to hold throw for a third consecutive time to win the set.

Second Set
0-1 - Wade misses double seven for an 86 finish to break, and Webster takes out 66 to make a positive start to second set.
1-1 - The seven-time major winner hits double ten to draw level.
1-2 - Webster edges ahead by landing double top at the first time of asking.
2-2 - Wade hits double top for a clinical 110 finish to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Webster produces consistent scoring to leave 81 after 12 darts, and he takes out the combination in two darts to seal the set.

Third Set
1-0 - Wade holds throw to edge ahead of his opponent.
2-0 - The number six seed hits double top for a 108 checkout to secure the first break of throw in the match.
2-1 - Wade wastes two chances to win the set and Webster takes his opportunity by taking out a 70 finish.
2-2 - Webster takes out a 77 finish after Wade fails with two more attempts to win the set.
2-3 - Wade misses a fifth chance to win the set on double top, and Webster hits the same double to leave the world number six trailing 2-1.

Fourth Set
0-1 - The Norwich ace holds throw to win a fourth leg on the trot.
1-1 - Wade stops the rot as he takes out a brilliant 141 checkout.
1-2 - Webster confidently takes out 68 in two darts to move a leg away from a fantastic win.
2-2 - Wade misses five shots at doubles before landing double five with his third dart.
3-2 - Webster looks on course for triumph as he leaves 40 after 12 darts, but the nerves tell as he misses six shots at doubles to end the contest - having hit 10/16 doubles up to that point in the game - and Wade hits double ten with a pressure third dart to keep his hopes alive.

Fifth Set
1-0 - Wade hits double ten for the second leg running to make a good start to the decider.
2-0 - Wade posts a third 180 before Webster is off-target on the bullseye for a 161 checkoutm allowing the left-hander to return to hit double ten once again in breaking throw.
2-1 - The world number six is off-target on double top to win the game and Webster takes out 65, thanks to an accurate third dart at tops.
3-1 - Wade leaves 56 after 12 darts and hits double top at the first attempt to overcome a major scare.

Match Stats

James Wade	3-2	Darren Webster
30	100+	31
16	140+	20
0	170+	1
3	180	1
91.92	Average	90.12
141	High Finish	81
4	Breaks of Throw	3
13/36 - 36.11%	Finishing - %	11/25 - 44%

WES NEWTON 3-1 TING CHI ROYDEN LAM
(3-2, 3-0, 1-3, 3-2)
WES NEWTON booked a second round clash against three-time World Champion John Part by defeating Ting Chi Royden Lam in four sets in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Thursday evening.

Newton started confidently by taking the opening two legs of the game before the Hong Kong ace hit back to force a deciding leg, which Newton claimed with an excellent 14-darter.

Newton cruised through the second set to move further ahead before Lam showed great character to win the third set 3-1, sealing the set with a 50 finish on the bullseye, showing some of the accuracy which has made him a star in the soft-tip format.

Newton moved 2-1 ahead in the fourth set, which included a 101 finish from the Fleetwood ace, before Lam won the fourth leg on double 16 to keep his hopes alive.

The world number eight, though. powered through the deciding leg with a clinical 12-dart finish to end Lam’s brave challenge.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Newton breaks throw immediately courtesy of a 71 finish.
2-0 - The Fleetwood ace hits double top at the first time of asking to move two legs up.
2-1 - Lam hits double five with an accuarte third dart to get a leg on the board.
2-2 - The Hong Kong ace draws level on double ten after Newton was guilty of missing three opportunities to win the set.
3-2 - Newton puts the loss of the last two legs behind him as he wins the set in style, by breaking throw with a 14-darter on double 16.

Second Set
1-0 - Newton just misses the bullseye for a 170 checkout but returns to hit double eight.
2-0 - Lam misses two attempts at double 16 and Newton capitalises by hitting the same double to increase his lead.
3-0 - Newton records a third 180 before landing double 16 for a second leg running, to leave the Hong Kong star with a mountain to climb.

Third Set
0-1 - The winning double proves elusive for both players as they miss six chances at doubles before Lam manages to hit double one to win his first leg in five.
0-2 - Lam hits a 180 before going on to hit double top for an excellent 14-dart finish.
1-2 - Newton regains his focus to win the third leg against the darts with a 104 finish.
1-3 - Newton is off-target with two attempts at doubles, and Lam hits the bullseye to take out 50 and win the set.

Fourth Set
0-1 - The Hong Kong star hits double ten to break Newton's throw.
1-1 - Lam fails with two chances to win the leg and Newton hits double 16 to level.
2-1 - Newton hits double 16 to go a leg away from victory after Lam misses double eight for a 101 checkout.
2-2 - Lam keeps his hopes alive as he lands double 16 at the first time of asking.
3-2 - Newton powers to the finish line as he hits scores of 177, 134 and 121, before taking out a 69 finish on double top.

Match Stats

Wes Newton	3-1	Ting Chi Royden Lam
24	100+	29
7	140+	9
1	170+	0
4	180	1
88.41	Average	83.45
104	High Finish	60
5	Breaks of Throw	4
10/30 - 33.33%	Finishing - %	7/25 - 28%

KEVIN PAINTER 3-0 TOMAS SEYLER
(3-1, 3-0, 3-0)
KEVIN PAINTER produced a ruthless display to defeat Germany’s Tomas Seyler by a 3-0 margin to complete the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The 2004 runner-up dropped just one leg - the game's first - during the 21-minute contest, winning nine successive legs and hitting nine out of 11 attempts at doubles in an impressive opener as he averaged 98.59.

Seyler settled into the game well as he recorded a maximum with his first three darts of the contest in the process of taking the opening leg, before Painter won the next two legs, breaking throw in the third leg on double four.

Painter continued his clinical form on the doubles and sealed the second set comfortably, as he took out a 104 finish, to win his sixth leg in a row.

Seyler had no answer and Painter powered through the third set without reply from his opponent to end the game with an impressive 98.59 average.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - The German hits a brilliant 180 with his first three darts of the game and hits double six to settle any nerves.
1-1 - Painter draws level with a clinical 13-darter.
2-1 - Seyler misses two darts at double 16 and Painter punishes those errors by hitting double four.
3-1 - Painter hits double top at the first attempt to seal the first set.

Second Set
1-0 - Painter continues his clinical form on the doubles as he lands double 16 at the first attempt.
2-0 - The former Players Championship Finals winner hits double eight to win a fifth leg in a row.
3-0 - Painter hits an excellent 104 finish to establish a two-set advantage.

Third Set
1-0 - Painter registers a 180 but a missed dart at the bullseye gives Seyler a opportunity at an 80 finish, only for the German to fail with two attempts to win his second leg of the game as his opponent returns to post double eight.
2-0 - Painter hits scores of 180, 100 and 140 before taking out an 81 finish on the bullseye for a 12-darter.
3-0 - The number 13 seed rounds off the game with a clinical 72 finish, finishing on double top.

Match Stats

Kevin Painter	3-0	Tomas Seyler
11	100+	15
12	140+	7
0	170+	0
2	180	1
98.59	Average	86.98
104	High Finish	56
4	Breaks of Throw	0
9/11 - 81.82%	Finishing - %	1/5 - 20%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 6

ADRIAN LEWIS began his bid for a Ladbrokes World Darts Championship treble with a whitewash victory against Dennis Smith on Wednesday morning, as Michael Smith, Andy Smith and Justin Pipe joined him in the second round at Alexandra Palace.
Lewis, the 2011 and 2012 World Champion and a quarter-finalist last year, made an ominous start to his challenge in the £1 million tournament this time around by denying his opponent a dart at a double during a straight sets triumph.

The number three seed roared out of the blocks by winning the opening set with a 126 finish and successive 14-dart legs, and romped through the next two sets in comfortable fashion as he set up a second round date with Vincent van der Voort.


While Swindon's Smith suffered defeat, there were wins for two other Smiths as Andy and Michael won through to the second round with 3-1 victories over Steve Brown and Morihiro Hashimoto respectively.

Andy lost the opening set of his clash with Bristol's Brown before edging the second set in a deciding leg to level.

Smith led 2-0 in the third before Brown hit two 180s in the third leg as he hit back with a 12-darter before missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the next, dramatically wiring his ninth dart before returning to hit the bed for a ten-darter.

However, that would be the last leg Brown would win as Smith took the set's deciding leg to move ahead in the match, before winning the fourth set without reply to earn his place in the second round.

World Youth Champion Michael Smith also had to come from a set down before taking victory in his clash against Japanese qualifier Hashimoto, who had completed a 4-2 preliminary round win over Singapore's Paul Lim earlier in the night with a 131 checkout.

Having lost out to Smith's manager Gary Anderson in the first round at Alexandra Palace three years ago, Hashimoto took the first set of this clash 3-1, only for the St Helens youngster to edge the next two in a deciding leg.

Smith then took the game's fourth set without reply as he sealed his first World Championship win, setting up a second round clash with reigning champion Phil Taylor on Friday.

Justin Pipe, the number 11 seed, was the night's other winner as he overcame former World Youth Champion Arron Monk in straight sets.

Pipe took the game's first set 3-1 before coming from a leg down to win the second in the same manner, and though Monk replied with a 100 checkout in the third, the Taunton ace took out an 11-darter as he sealed his second round spot.

Pipe's last 32 clash with South African star Devon Petersen will be the only second round game to be played after the Christmas break, with the five-time ranking event winner now looking forward to enjoying the festive period with his family.

The first round concludes on Thursday night with the final four games, including number six seed James Wade up against Darren Webster.

World number eight Wes Newton plays the winner of the preliminary round clash between Gino Vos and Ting Chi Royden Lam, while 2004 finalist Kevin Painter meets Germany's Tomas Seyler and Mark Webster takes on Austrian number one Mensur Suljovic.


Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 18
Andy Smith 3-1 Steve Brown
Morihiro Hashimoto 4-2 Paul Lim (P)
Justin Pipe 3-0 Arron Monk
Michael Smith 3-1 Morohiro Hashimoto
Adrian Lewis 3-0 Dennis Smith

Preliminary Round (P) - Best of Seven Legs
First Round - Best of Five Sets

MATCH INFORMATION
ANDY SMITH 3-1 STEVE BROWN
(1-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-0)
ANDY SMITH came from a set down to defeat Steve Brown by a 3-1 margin the opening round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Bristol ace Brown showed glimpses of his ability as he hit legs of 11 and ten darts during the game, including a missed dart at double 12 for a nine-dart-finish.

However Smith, who has failed to win beyond the third round in 12 previous World Championship appearances, produced the greater consistency and will now face James Wade or Darren Webster in the last 32.

Brown made the better start to the match as he took the first set in style with a fabulous 11-darter, but a missed dart at the bullseye for a 2-0 lead allowed Smith to draw level, after claiming a tense deciding leg to end set two.

Smith opened up a 2-0 advantage in the third set before Brown hit a total of four 180s over the next two legs, which included a missed dart at double 12 for a nine-darter.

Smith stopped his opponent’s burst of form by taking out 81 to win the set in the decider, before cruising through the fourth set without reply to seal victory.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Smith hits a 180 with his first three darts of the game but proceeds to miss eight darts at doubles and Brown steals the leg on double eight.
1-1 - The 27th seed puts the errors of the first leg behind him as he takes the second leg against the darts with a 96 finish, landing double 18.
1-2 - Brown hits a maximum before posting double ten to record a 15-darter.
1-3 - The Bristol ace wins the set in style with a fablulous 11-dart-finish, which featured another 180.

Second Set
0-1 - Brown hits double top with a pressure third dart with his opponent waiting on the same double.
1-1 - Smith leaves 76 after 12 darts, and he takes out the finish to draw level.
1-2 - Brown takes control of the leg by firing in a third 180, but a missed dart at double eight gives Smith a chance at a 101 finish, only for a miss at double 18 to allow Brown to return and hit double eight.
2-2 - Smith leaves 36 after 12 darts before hitting double eight to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - The tension shows in both players as they struggle to find the big scores. Smith misses one dart at tops before Brown fails with one dart at the bullseye for a 2-0 lead, and the Studley ace holds his nerve to land double top with a pressure dart to level at one set apiece.

Third Set
1-0 - Smith misses five chances to win the leg before finding double one bed with his third dart.
2-0 - The Warwickshire thrower takes out a 66 finish on double 18 to win his fourth leg in a row.
2-1 - Brown records consecutive 180s before landing top for a 12-darter to hit back.
2-2 - The Bristol ace keeps landing the 180s as he hits two in a row to raise hopes of a nine-darter. He hits a seventh treble 20 followed by treble 19, but his dart at double 12 is agonisingly just high of the target - although he returns to hit double 12 at the first attempt in his next visit to complete a ten-darter.
3-2 - Smith takes out a fine two-dart 82 finish on double 16, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter for the set.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Smith wins the first leg against the darts thanks to an accurate attempt at double top.
2-0 - Brown misses double top for a 157 checkout before failing with two more attempts to close out the leg, as Smith hits double 16 to move a leg away from victory.
3-0 - Brown fails with six attempts at doubles - spread over three visits - and Smith hits double nine to secure the win.

Match Stats

Andy Smith	3-1	Steve Brown
30	100+	14
12	140+	8
0	170+	0
1	180	8
84.22	Average	84.89
96	High Finish	56
5	Breaks of Throw	3
10/33 - 30.30%	Finishing - %	7/27 - 25.93%

MORIHIRO HASHIMOTO 4-2 PAUL LIM
JAPAN’S number one Morihiro Hashimoto won three legs in a row from 2-1 down to defeat darting legend Paul Lim in their preliminary round clash at the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Hashimoto, who became a huge crowd favourite in his debut appearance at Alexandra Palace three years ago, won the opening leg before Lim claimed the next two to establish a 2-1 lead.

Hashimoto won the fourth leg before regaining the lead in the next, thanks to an accurate attempt at double top, to edge closer to victory, which he secured with a brilliant 131 checkout to end the hopes of the Singapore legend, who was playing in his 20th World Championship.

Match Information
1-0 - The Japanese qualifier hits double eight to win the first leg.
1-1 - Hashimoto misses the bullseye for a 90 finish and Lim hits double top to level.
1-2 - Both players struggle to find the winning double before the American hits double two to lead.
2-2 - Hashimoto hits double top to level the contest.
3-2 - The Japanese star misses double eight for a 136 checkout but returns to hit double four for a 14-darter.
4-2 - Hashimoto closes out the game in superb style with a 131 checkout.

Match Stats

Morihiro Hashimoto	4-2	Paul Lim
13	100+	8
5	140+	4
0	170+	0
0	180	0
84.26	Average	75.26
131	High Finish	58
2	Breaks of Throw	1
4/15 - 26.67%	Finishing - %	2/5 - 40%

JUSTIN PIPE 3-0 ARRON MONK
(3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
JUSTIN PIPE dropped just three legs in dismissing an out-of-sorts Arron Monk to progress to the last 32 of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The Taunton ace, who reached his second major TV semi-final at the Players Championship Finals recently, failed to hit top form but did more than enough to enjoy a comfortable evening against the former World Youth Champion.

Pipe won the first set with a 13-dart-finish and then won the second by a 3-1 margin as Monk struggled to find any kind of rhythm.

The Taunton star hit a 14-darter to win the opening leg of set three, before Monk took a 100 finish to draw level.

Pipe regained the lead with a clinical 11-darter before ending the contest on double top to set up a second round clash against South Africa’s Devon Petersen in the only last 32 game which will be played after the Christmas break.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - The 11th seed hits double eight to hold throw.
1-1 - Monk hits double top for a 71 finish to draw level.
2-1 - Pipe lands double eight with his third dart to regain the lead.
3-1 - The Taunton ace leaves 40 after 12 darts and hits double top at the first attempt to wrap up the set.

Second Set
0-1 - Pipe misses a dart at double 15 to break and Monk wins his second leg of the match on double ten.
1-1 - Pipe is just off-target on the bullseye for a 130 checkout but Monk is unable to capitalise and the Taunton thrower returns to hit double four.
2-1 - Both players miss a dart at the bullseye before Pipe hits double 16 to secure a break of throw.
3-1 - Pipe takes out 61 on double 18 to win the set and leave an out-of-sorts Monk with a mountain to climb.

Third Set
1-0 - Pipe makes a positive start to the set as he hits double top at the first attempt for a 14-darter.
1-1 - Pipe hits a 180 but Monk produces his best darts of the game so far, culiminating in a two-dart 100 finish.
2-1 - The Taunton man kicks-off the leg with a maximum before hitting double top for a superb 11-darter.
3-1 - Pipe misses double top for a 160 finish, but Monk fails with two shots at the same double and Pipe ends the contest to progress to the last 32.

Match Stats

Justin Pipe	3-0	Arron Monk
15	100+	13
10	140+	5
0	170+	0
2	180	0
87.85	Average	78.64
61	High Finish	100
3	Breaks of Throw	0
9/21 - 42.86%	Finishing - %	3/8 - 37.50%

MICHAEL SMITH 3-1 MORIHIRO HASHIMOTO
(1-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-0)
MICHAEL SMITH came from a set down to defeat Japan’s Morihiro Hashimoto 3-1 in the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Smith, who has risen into the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit following another impressive year on the circuit, will now face 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor on Friday evening after overcoming the Japanese number one.

Hashimoto, who defeated Paul Lim earlier in the night to reach the first round stage for a second time, took out an 89 finish in the opening leg of the contest before winning the set on double five to give the PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion something to think about.

The St Helens youngster edged the second set in a deciding leg to draw level and opened up a 2-1 lead in the third set before Hashimoto took out a brilliant 152 finish to level.

Smith held his throw to take the deciding leg, with the aid of a 177 score, before claiming the fourth set without reply to complete his first World Championship victory.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Smith hits a 180 only for Hashimoto to reply with a maximum of his own. The Japanese thrower then takes out an 89 finish.
1-1 - Hashimoto fails with five opportunties to break throw and Smith holds on double ten.
1-2 - Hashimoto regains the lead after Smith missed double ten for a 140 checkout.
1-3 - The Japanese qualifier misses two chances to win the set but Smith is guilty of five missed shots at doubles and Hashimoto returns to hit double five.

Second Set
1-0 - Smith misses three chances to win the leg but gets the opportunity to return to the oche to hit double two.
1-1 - Hashimoto levels by taking out a 98 finish in two darts.
2-1 - The St Helens youngster lands double ten with his third dart to regain the lead.
2-2 - Hashimoto forces a deciding leg thanks to an accurate third dart at double eight.
3-2 - Smith fails with two attempts at double top but returns to land double ten to square the game.

Third Set
0-1 - One missed dart at double top from Smith proves costly as Hashimoto hits the same double for a 69 finish.
1-1 - Smith misses three chances to win the leg, but Hashimoto fails with one shot at double top, allowing Smith to return and hit double five.
2-1 - Hashimoto is off-target on double 16 for a 110 finish and Smith hits double top to break throw.
2-2 - Smith misses a dart at tops for the set and the Japanese ace hits a brilliant 152 checkout.
3-2 - Smith hits a 177 to leave 70, which he takes out on double top.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Smith defies a 180 from his opponent to win the leg on tops.
2-0 - The winning double proves a major challenge as both players miss 13 attempts at doubles before Smith finally hits double one to go a leg away from victory.
3-0 - Smith fails with three chances to win the match, but the Japanese ace misses four darts at doubles to allow Smith in to hit double four to win the game.

Match Stats

Michael Smith	3-1	Morihro Hashimoto
26	100+	24
5	140+	4
1	170+	0
1	180	2
79.69	Average	76.50
70	High Finish	152
3	Breaks of Throw	2
10/48 - 20.83%	Finishing - %	7/35 - 20%

ADRIAN LEWIS 3-0 DENNIS SMITH
(3-0, 3-0, 3-0)
ADRIAN LEWIS created the first whitewash victory of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 26-minute win over Dennis Smith at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening.

The two-time World Champion denied his opponent a shot at a double throughout the match, and will now play Vincent van der Voort for a place in the last 16.

Lewis came out of the blocks quickly as he recorded a 126 checkout to win the opening leg, and followed that with consecutive 14-darters to win the set with ease.

The European Champion continued the procession in the second set as he hit a third 14-darter of the game to establish a two-set lead.

Smith continued to struggle and Lewis moved to within touching distance of victory as he hit three 180s in claiming the opening two legs of the third set, before rounding off a convincing performance in the next leg as he hit double top to progress.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - The two-time World Champion comes out of the blocks quickly as he converts a 126 checkout.
2-0 - Lewis breaks throw on double eight to complete a 14-darter.
3-0 - Lewis hits a 180 before landing double top for another 14-dart finish to wrap up the first set with ease.

Second Set
1-0 - Lewis hits a brilliant 171 to leave 70, which he takes out on tops to break throw.
2-0 - The world number three hits double four to win his fifth leg in a row, with Smith yet to have a shot at a double.
3-0 - Lewis hits double top for a third 14-darter of the game to establish a two-set lead.

Third Set
1-0 - Lewis wastes five chances to win the leg, but Smith is unable to set up a shot at a double and the European Champion returns to hit double two.
2-0 - Lewis hits two 180s before Smith registers a maximum of his own, but the Stoke star wins the leg on double six.
3-0 - Double ten confirms a whitewash victory for the number three seed.

Match Stats

Adrian Lewis	3-0	Dennis Smith
11	100+	10
6	140+	3
1	170+	0
4	180	1
95.26	Average	80.89
126	High Finish	-
4	Breaks of Throw	-
9/21 - 42.86%	Finishing - %	0/0 - 0%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 5

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN, Simon Whitlock and Vincent van der Voort booked places in the second round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship on Tuesday night, as Australian newcomer Beau Anderson stunned Colin Lloyd in a sudden-death leg at Alexandra Palace.
Van Gerwen, last year's beaten finalist at Alexandra Palace, dropped only one leg as he swept aside Austrian debutant Zoran Lerchbacher in straight sets.

Lerchbacher, a plumber by trade, had defeated emerging English star Ben Ward 4-1 in their preliminary round tie earlier in the evening, sealing victory with a 138 finish, but was unable to trouble the world number two.

Van Gerwen took the game's first set without reply, and though the Austrian hit double 16 to open the second set, the Dutch ace added a further three legs to double his advantage.

The Premier League champion then finished 137 in taking the third set without reply, as he wrapped up victory in only 24 minutes to set up a second round clash with Kevin McDine on Sunday.


Vincent van der Voort, who will be van Gerwen's Best Man at his wedding next August, completed a Dutch double on Tuesday as he defeated PDPA Qualifier Matt Clark in their first round tie.

The pair shared the first two sets before van der Voort came from a leg down to win the third, and he also hit back from behind twice in the fourth set before double ten in the decider saw him seal victory.

There was also a national double for Australia as both Simon Whitlock and Beau Anderson recorded contrasting victories in their first round games on Tuesday - following up their country's victory.

Whitlock, the 2010 Alexandra Palace runner-up, was a straight sets winner against PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour winner Ross Smith as he dropped only four legs in progressing to a second round tie with Finland's Jarkko Komula.


Anderson, meanwhile, stunned former world number one Colin Lloyd in a five-set thriller which went all the way to a sudden-death leg in the deciding set.

Lloyd twice hit back from a set behind to level the game, but was punished for missing his chances to break throw in a tense fifth set, which saw the first ten legs won with the throw before Anderson, with the advantage in a one-leg shoot-out, hit double eight for the biggest win of his career.

The Perth-based ace had seen his younger brother Kyle hit a nine-dart finish in defeat to Ian White on Saturday, but now progresses to play Robert Thornton in the last 32 of the £1 million event.


The first round continues on Wednesday, with two-time champin Adrian Lewis beginning his bid for an Alexandra Palace hat-trick as he faces Dennis Smith.

World Youth Champion Michael Smith will meet either Japan's Morihiro Hashimoto or Singapore's Paul Lim, while number 11 seed Justin Pipe plays Arron Monk and Andy Smith takes on Steve Brown.


Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Tuesday December 17
Colin Lloyd 2-3 Beau Anderson
Zoran Lerchbacher 4-1 Ben Ward (P)
Vincent van der Voort 3-1 Matt Clark
Michael van Gerwen 3-0 Zoran Lerchbacher
Simon Whitlock 3-0 Ross Smith

Preliminary Round (P) - Best of Seven Legs
First Round - Best of Five Sets

MATCH INFORMATION
BEAU ANDERSON 3-2 COLIN LLOYD
(3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 6-5)
BEAU ANDERSON claimed a fantastic debut victory at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with an epic 3-2 win over two-time major champion Colin Lloyd.


Anderson led the match twice only for Lloyd, a semi-finalist in this competition back in 2002, to hit back on both occasions to force a deciding set.

The final set saw Anderson miss four chances to defeat Lloyd before the 30-year-old Australian won the match on double eight in a sudden-death shoot-out.

Lloyd went 2-1 up in the first set, but three missed darts to take a 1-0 lead went begging and Anderson took a deciding-leg to lead.

Anderson took the opening two legs of the second set before the former world number one hit back to claim the next three and level the game.

Anderson won the third set comfortably to regain the lead, only for Lloyd to win the fourth, which he took by completing an excellent 110 finish on the bullseye.

The final set proved to be a tense affair, with Anderson missing three chances to close out the game in the eighth leg and one more in the tenth, before crossing the finishing line in a sudden-death shoot-out.

Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Anderson starts impressively with a 180 before holding throw on double eight.
1-1 - Lloyd levels on double ten after the Oceanic Masters winner missed a dart at bullseye to break.
2-1 - Both players miss one dart at the bullseye to win the leg before Lloyd hits double ten for a second leg running to break.
2-2 - Lloyd kicks off with a 180, only for Anderson to reply with one of his own, and though the Colchester ace leaves 40 after darts, three chances to win the leg go begging and the Australian steps in to take out 76 in two darts.
2-3 - Anderson hits double top with a pressure third dart to claim the set, with his opponent waiting on a two-darter.

Second Set
0-1 - Anderson cashes on more errors from his opponent with a two-dart 72 finish after Lloyd missed eight darts at doubles.
0-2 - The Australian hits double nine to win a third leg in a row after Lloyd is off-target on the bullseye for a 161 checkout.
1-2 - Lloyd hits double 16 to complete a 15-dart finish and hit back.
2-2 - The 2005 World Matchplay champion hits double top at the first attempt to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Lloyd continues his resurgence as he hits a maximum and follows that with an accurate attempt on double ten to take the set and level the match.

Third Set
0-1 - Anderson takes out a 60 finish to make a good start to the third set.
0-2 - The Australian breaks Lloyd's throw on double top after his opponent wasted two chances to level.
0-3 - Anderson takes control of the leg thanks to a third 180 and goes on to hit double four to leave Lloyd in trouble.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Lloyd converts an excellent 112 finish on double 16, with his opponent waiting on 56.
1-1 - Anderson levels on double four after missing three previous attempts to claim the leg.
2-1 - Anderson hits another maximum but fails to build on that and Lloyd takes out 82 in two darts to edge ahead once again.
3-1 - Lloyd lands the bullseye to complete a 110 checkout and send the match into a deciding set.

Fifth Set
0-1 - Nervy starts to fifth set see Lloyd miss two chances at doubles after Anderson had missed four chances of his own, before the Aussie returns to hit double five to hold throw.
1-1 - Lloyd levels thanks to an accurate attempt at double top.
1-2 - Lloyd hits a 180 to take control of the leg, but five missed darts at doubles prove expensive as Anderson finds the double 16 bed to move a leg away from victory.
2-2 - The Essex thrower hits a 180 for a second successive leg before landing double 12 to force a tie-break, with Anderson waiting on tops for the match.
2-3 - Lloyd is guilty of three missed darts at double 12 and Anderson converts a 72 finish, on the bullseye, to edge ahead in the set for a third time.
3-3 - The 24th seed holds his nerve to hit double five with a pressure third dart.
3-4 - Anderson hits double ten with his third dart to leave Lloyd trailing once again.
4-4 - Lloyd takes out a brilliant 105 finish after Anderson missed two darts at double 18 and one at double nine to win the match.
4-5 - Anderson is off-target with two attempts at double top, but a missed dart at the bullseye from Lloyd allows him to return and hit double ten.
5-5 - The Aussie just misses the bullseye - his fourth dart for the match - and Lloyd hits tops to send the game to a sudden-death leg.
5-6 - Anderson hits the centre of the bullseye to throw first in the game's deciding leg, and he makes that advantage count as he produces the more consistent scoring of the two before landing double eight to confirm a fabulous win.

Match Stats

Colin Lloyd	2-3	Beau Anderson
42	100+	39
10	140+	15
0	170+	0
5	180	4
83.62	Average	83.66
112	High Finish	76
3	Breaks of Throw	3
13/50 - 26%	Finishing - %	15/49 - 30.61%

ZORAN LERCHBACHER 4-1 BEN WARD
AUSTRIA’S Zoran Lerchbacher enjoyed an excellent 4-1 victory over Ben Ward in their preliminary round meeting at the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship to secure a first round clash against Michael van Gerwen.

Ward missed six chances to win the opening leg, which Lerbacher managed to steal on double top before the two-time winner on the 2013 PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour hit double eight to level.

Lerbacher hit double ten to regain the lead, before moving a leg away from victory thanks to an accurate third dart at double ten, after Ward missed two chances at double 19.

The Austrian qualifier secured the win in the next leg thanks to a superb 138 checkout to end the 25-year-old’s hopes.

Match Information
1-0 - Ward produces consistent scoring to leave 40 after 12 darts but six missed shots at doubles allow Lerchbacher to steal the leg on double top.
1-1 - The Austrian qualifier misses double eight for a 136 checkout and Ward levels by hitting the same double.
2-1 - Lerchbacher regains the lead on double ten after Ward failed to hit double five for a 130 checkout.
3-1 - Ward misses two attempts at double 19 and Lerchbacher hits double ten with his third dart to move further ahead.
4-1 - The Austrian wins the match in style with a fabulous 138 checkout to set up a first round tie against world number two Michael van Gerwen.

Match Stats

Zoran Lerchbacher	4-1	Ben Ward
7	100+	11
3	140+	2
0	170+	0
1	180	0
90.25	Average	86.43
138	High Finish	16
1	Breaks of Throw	0
4/10 - 40%	Finishing - %	1/10 - 10%

VINCENT VAN DER VOORT 3-1 MATT CLARK
(3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-2)
VINCENT VAN DER VOORT progressed to the last 32 stage of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 3-1 win over Matt Clark at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening.

Van der Voort, a quarter-finalist at this tournament three years ago, made a fast start to the match as he won the first set without reply, which featured a 131 checkout in the opening leg.

However, Clark - returning to Alexandra Palace as a PDPA Qualifier after a four-year absence - hit back to take the second set and level the match.

Van der Voort took a 2-1 lead in the third set and capitalised on missed doubles from the PDPA Qualifier in the fourth leg to win the set with a 70 finish and regain the lead.

The Dutchman found himself 2-1 down in set four, but recaptured his scoring power at the right time to power through the next two legs and progress to the last 32.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - van der Voort starts brilliantly as he hits double 16 for a fabulous 131 checkout.
2-0 - The Dutch ace hits double one to break Clark's throw at the first attempt.
3-0 - van der Voort continues his excellent start as takes out 82 in two darts to wrap up the opening set.

Second Set
0-1 - van der Voort misses four chances to keep the winning run of legs going and Clark hits double five to get off the mark.
1-1 - The former UK Open finalist levels thanks to an accurate attempt at double four.
1-2 - Clark fails with five attempts at doubles to regain the lead, but van der Voort is unable to capitalise and Clark returns to hit double ten.
1-3 - Clark breaks his opponent's throw for the first time in the match to level the game at one set apiece.

Third Set
0-1 - van der Voort hits the first 180 of the game, only for Clark to reply with one of his own to leave 81. The Dutchman is unable to take out a 103 finish and the qualifier from Radcliffe hits double 13 to polish off 81 for a 12-darter.
1-1 - van der Voort levels on double 16 to complete a 13-dart finish.
2-1 - The 30th seed hits double eight to edge ahead.
3-1 - Clark wastes three shots at doubles to force a deciding leg and van der Voort steps in to convert a 70 finish in two darts to move ahead for a second time.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Clark misses two attempts at double 16, but van der Voort is unable to set up a shot a double and Clark returns to hold throw on the same double.
1-1 - van der Voort hits double 18 to level the set.
1-2 - Clark produces a solid leg to leave 40 after 15 darts, and goes on to hit double top at the first attempt.
2-2 - van der Voort hits a maximum to leave double four, which he hits with an accurate first dart.
3-2 - The Dutch star managed to produce some big scores to leave 91 after nine darts, and though he initially missed two attempts at double top for the game, he lands double ten to close out the game.

Match Stats

Vincent van der Voort	3-1	Matt Clark
16	100+	22
9	140+	5
1	170+	0
2	180	1
85.96	Average	78.50
131	High Finish	81
4	Breaks of Throw	2
	Finishing - %

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN 3-0 ZORAN LERCHBACHER
(3-0, 3-1, 3-0)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN dropped just one leg to Austria’s Zoran Lerchbacher to win their first round encounter with ease at the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The Dutch sensation never found top gear during the contest but did more than enough to enjoy a comfortable evening, and will return on Sunday to face Kevin McDine for a place in the last 16.

Van Gerwen - who produced some fabulous moments in his run to the final 12 months ago, including an incredible nine-darter in his semi-final clash against James Wade - won the opening set by a 3-0 margin.

The Austrian qualifier, who saw off English youngster Ben Ward to reach this stage, won the first leg of the second set on double 16 before van Gerwen produced a run of three straight legs to establish a two-set lead.

The winner of the Players Championship Finals earlier this month then strolled through the third set by three legs to nil, which featured an effortless 137 checkout, as he swept into the second round.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - The world number two hits scores of 145 and 140 before landing double nine to make a good start.
2-0 - van Gerwen breaks his opponent's throw at the first time of asking in a leg which featured a 180 from the Dutch superstar.
3-0 - An accurate shot at double top gives van Gerwen the opening set of the game.

Second Set
0-1 - Lerchbacher hits his fifth 140 of the game to leave double 16, which he takes out at the first attempt to get a leg on the board.
1-1 - van Gerwen levels courtesy of a two-dart 70 finish, completed on double eight.
2-1 - The 24-year-old hits a second 180 to leave 68, which he takes out on double 16.
3-1 - van Gerwen starts the leg with a 180 but fails with six chances to seal the set. However, Lerchbacher is unable to set up a shot at a double and the number two seed hits double two to take command of the match.

Third Set
1-0 - Both players miss one dart at double top before van Gerwen claims the leg by hitting double ten.
2-0 - van Gerwen turns on the style as he hits treble 20, treble 19, double ten to casually take out a 137 checkout.
3-0 - van Gerwen is off-target with one dart at tops, but Lerchbacher fails with three chances of his own to win the leg and the Dutchman hits double nine to confirm victory.

Match Stats

Michael van Gerwen	3-0	Zoran Lerchbacher
12	100+	19
5	140+	8
0	170+	0
3	180	0
89.13	Average	89.94
137	High Finish	32
3	Breaks of Throw	0
9/25 - 36%	Finishing - %	1/5 - 20%

SIMON WHITLOCK 3-0 ROSS SMITH
(3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
SIMON WHITLOCK eased into the second round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over Ross Smith.

The world number four, a runner-up in this event back in 2010, will now face Finland’s Jarkko Komula in the second round of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.

Whitlock's win saw him become the second Australian to win at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday night, following Beau Anderson's great display against Colin Lloyd.

Whitlock started the game confidently with an excellent 13-darter, before going on to take the first set by a 3-1 margin, recording his second 13-dart finish of the game in the process.

The second set proved to be a tighter affair as Smith hit a clinical 107 finish in the fourth leg to force a decider before Whitlock took the set with the aid of a timely 180, to double his cushion.

The former European Champion took out a 90 finish to start the third set well before the debutant replied with a fine 104 checkout.

Whitlock hit his fifth 180 in the process of taking the third leg, and closed out the game in next thanks to an accurate attempt on double top.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Whitlock starts confidently with an excellent 13-darter, which features a 180.
1-1 - Smith hits back to win the second leg against the darts on double eight.
2-1 - Smith fails to hit the winning double with six attempts and Whitlock steals the leg on double eight.
3-1 - Whitlock registers his second 13-dart finish of the game as he hits double 16 to draw first blood.

Second Set
1-0 - Whitlock makes a positive start to the second set as he takes out a two-dart 64 finish.
1-1 - The Australian number one hits a second 180, but a missed dart at double ten allows Smith in to take out 51 on double 16.
2-1 - Whitlock regains the lead by landing double 18 for a two-dart 66 finish.
2-2 - Smith hits a 180 and follows that with an excellent 107 checkout.
3-2 - Whitlock hits a timely maximum and takes the set in style with a 120 finish to give Smith an uphill task.

Third Set
1-0 - Whitlock takes out a 90 finish courtesy of landing a bullseye, double top combination to break thow.
1-1 - Smith posts a second 180 before converting a 104 finish after Whitlock misses one dart at tops.
2-1 - Whitlock hits his fifth maximum before landing double four with an accurate third dart to get a leg away from victory.
3-1 - Smith is unable to hit double top for a 79 finish and the Aussie steps up to hit the same double to end the game.

Match Stats

Simon Whitlock	3-0	Ross Smith
13	100+	21
10	140+	6
0	170+	0
5	180	2
97.35	Average	86.20
120	High Finish	107
4	Breaks of Throw	2
9/16 - 56.25%	Finishing - %	4/10 - 40%

PDC Ladbrokes World Darts Championship- Day 4

KIM HUYBRECHTS won the battle of the Belgian brothers by coming from a set down against Ronny to win their Ladbrokes World Championship clash 3-1 on Monday night, as South Africa's Devon Petersen returned to the limelight by knocking out Steve Beaton at Alexandra Palace.
History was made as brothers faced off in the World Championship for the first time, as world number 12 Kim Huybrechts fended off the challenge of older brother Ronny.

However, it was the 48-year-old, on his World Championship debut, who drew first blood by winning the game's opening set 3-1, and also led 2-0 in the second set - only to miss four darts to double his lead.

Kim hit back to edge the set 3-2 and took the third set in the same manner to move 2-1 up, before racing through the fourth set without reply to seal a hard-fought victory.

Ronny had only turned professional in January when he won a Tour Card at Qualifying School, and he has since partnered his brother to the World Cup of Darts final and reached the European Championship semi-finals.

The night featured two upsets as seeded stars Steve Beaton and Ronnie Baxter were knocked out by returning Devon Petersen and debutant Ricky Evans respectively.

South African ace Petersen, making his return to the big stage after taking a year out of the sport to overcome an arm injury, defeated Malaysia's Mohammed Latif Sapup 4-1 in their preliminary round game just to win through to the first round.

Petersen then landed a 141 checkout in the opening set of his clash with Beaton, only for the former Lakeside Champion to take first blood 3-1.

The South African Masters champion hit back to level by taking the second set 3-2, with Beaton coming back from 2-0 down to level only to miss four darts to double his lead as Petersen squared the game.

The youngster then came from a leg down to take the third set 3-1, and edged the fourth in a decider on double 16 to joyfully seal his second round place, delighting the Alexandra Palace crowd with his dance moves in the process!

World Youth Championship finalist Evans, meanwhile produced a major upset with a straight sets win over veteran ace Ronnie Baxter.

Evans won the game's first set without reply in only five minutes, and took the second 3-1 before completing a rapid-fire triumph when he edged the third in a deciding leg.

"I'm speechless," admitted the 23-year-old from Kettering. "It's not bad for a debut and I'm chuffed to bits - I'll remember this for the rest of my life.

"My dream was to be at Ally Pally in the World Championship, and I've done that and I'm in the second round, so who knows what can happen now? The only time I had nerves was on the walk-on, and the first set really settled me down.

"I played really well. The 180s and the doubles were going in, and everything clicked.

"Since Qualifying School, my game has gone up and up. I always knew I could play darts, but if you'd said to me two years ago that I'd be beating these kind of players I'd have laughed at you, so I'm really happy."

The night's other winner was Mervyn King, who dropped only one leg as he swept past American number one Darin Young in straight sets with a fine display.

The former semi-finalist took the first two sets without reply to take command of the match, and also led 2-0 in the third before the left-hander replied with double seven.

Young then scored 180, 140 and 165 in the next leg as he threatened a comeback, only to miss 13 darts at doubles as King clawed back into the leg before claiming the win on double top.

The first round continues on Tuesday night as last year's runner-up, Michael van Gerwen, takes on either Austria's Zoran Lerchbacher or Dorset's Ben Ward, who meet in the preliminary round.

2010 finalist Simon Whitlock takes on PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour winner Ross Smith, Colin Lloyd takes on Oceanic Masters champion Beau Anderson, and Holland's Vincent van der Voort meets PDPA Qualifier Matt Clark.


Ladbrokes World Darts Championship
Monday December 16
Ronnie Baxter 0-3 Ricky Evans
Devon Petersen 4-1 Mohammed Latif Sapup (P)
Kim Huybrechts 3-1 Ronny Huybrechts
Steve Beaton 1-3 Devon Petersen
Mervyn King 3-0 Darin Young

Preliminary Round (P) - Best of Seven Legs
First Round - Best of Five Sets

MATCH INFORMATION
RICKY EVANS 3-0 RONNIE BAXTER
(3-0, 3-1, 3-2)
RICKY EVANS produced a fantastic debut performance at the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship to knock 19th seed Ronnie Baxter out by a 3-0 margin.

The 23-year-old from Kettering, who reached the final of the 2013 PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship, outplayed his more experienced opponent throughout the contest to progress to round two.

“I've had a great first year on the circuit and It’s fantastic to beat a player of the calibre of Ronnie," said a delighted Evans, who has risen to 76th on the PDC Order of Merit since securing a Tour Card in January.

“I didn’t feel many nerves tonight and I think my experiences at The O2 and in the Grand Slam of Darts earlier this year were a huge benefit to me.

"Winning on the Youth Tour regularly has given me huge confidence. It’s a great format and helps with the steep learning curve I’m going through right now.”

Evans hit a 180 in the process of taking the opening leg of the game before recording a 12-dart-finish to continue the excellent start.

The Kettering ace wrapped up the first set in the next leg before going on to take second by a 3-1 scoreline after Baxter missed a host of opportunities on the doubles.

The third set went to a deciding leg, and Evans made use of the advantage of throwing first as he hit a fourth 180, followed by an accurate attempt at double six to confirm a superb win.

Ricky Evans Post-Match Video Interview


Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Evans starts superbly on his World Championship debut with a 180 and goes on to hit double ten to take the opening leg.
0-2 - The Kettering youngster hits back-to-back 140s to leave 41 after nine darts before breaking throw on double 16 for a 12-darter.
0-3 - Evans kicks off the leg with a 180 before Baxter replies with a score of 174. The 23-year-old is first to a finish and hits double six to leave Baxter trailing - winning the opening set in only five minutes.

Second Set
0-1 - Evans continues his good form of the first set with consecutive 140s. However, a missed dart at double 14 gives Baxter a chance, only for two missed darts at double six to see Evans return to take the leg.
1-1 - Both players miss a dart at double to win the leg before Baxter lands double 16 to put a leg on the board.
1-2 - Baxter kicks off the leg with a maximum but proceeds to miss five darts at double and Evans cashes in by hitting double three to break.
1-3 - Evans misses three chances at double 16 to win the set but Baxter is no position to make an impression and Evans returns to hit double eight to leave the number 19 seed in big trouble.

Third Set
0-1 - Evans hits double four to hold throw and make a positive start to set three.
1-1 - Baxter levels on double 16 to win just his second leg of the contest.
1-2 - Evans holds his nerve to hit double ten with a pressure dart after Baxter missed two opportunties to break throw.
2-2 - Baxter hits double top to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Evans hits a fourth 180 and goes to leave 32 after 12 darts thrown. Baxter is unable to take out 131 and Evans hits double six with his third dart to claim a fantastic win.

Match Stats

Ronnie Baxter	0-3	Ricky Evans
19	100+	16
16	140+	7
1	170+	0
1	180	4
86.60	Average	87.21
40	High Finish	41
1	Breaks of Throw	3
	Finishing - %

DEVON PETERSEN 4-1 MOHAMMED LATIF SAPUP
SOUTH AFRICA’S Devon Petersen secured a spot in the first round of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a 4-1 win over Malaysian qualifier Mohammed Latif Sapup.

Sapup, making his second appearance in this competition, was guilty of numerous missed doubles in the opening two legs, before Petersen landed double 18 to establish a 3-0 cushion.

The Malaysian won the fourth leg with a fabulous 141 checkout, hitting treble 20, treble 15 and double 18, but that poved to be the one highlight for Sapup as Petersen won the next leg on duble 18 once more seal the win.


Match Information
1-0 - Sapup misses five opportunties to win the first leg, which the South African edges on double ten to hold throw.
2-0 - Petersen takes advantage of more missed doubles from his opponent as he lands double 18 to move further ahead.
3-0 - The South African hits double 18 for the second leg running to move a leg away from the first round.
3-1 - The Malaysian qualifier hits a fantastic 141 checkout with Petersen waiting on a two-darter to win the match.
4-1 - Petersen hits double 18 with his third dart to close out the match, and will now face Steve Beaton for a place in the last 32.

Match Stats

Devon Petersen	4-1	Mohammed Latif Sapup
6	100+	7
4	140+	5
0	170+	0
0	180	0
88.01	Average	82.78
36	High Finish	141
1	Breaks of Throw	0
4/11 - 36.36%	Finishing - %	1/10 - 10%

KIM HUYBRECHTS 3-1 RONNY HUYBRECHTS
(1-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-0)
KIM HUYBRECHTS overcame his elder brother Ronny 3-1 in an eagerly anticipated first round battle in the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

Ronny, making his debut appearance at Alexandra Palace, took the opening set of the contest, capitalising on his younger brother’s mistakes on the doubles.

Kim continued to struggle as Ronny won the opening two legs of the second set to move to the verge of a two-set lead.

But five missed darts at doubles saw Kim draw level before the world number 12 took the third set in a deciding leg, again coming from 2-0 down to punish missed doubles for the set from Ronny.

The elder brother failed to overcome that disappointment as Kim won the fourth set without reply, rounding of the game with a 110 checkout.


Match Information
First Set
0-1 - Kim starts superbly, landing a 180 with his first three darts, but misses two chances to win the leg and his elder brother breaks throw on double eight.
1-1 - Kim lands another 180 but seven missed darts at doubles give Ronny an opportunity to steal the leg. However, he fails with four attempts and Kim returns to hit double two.
1-2 - Ronny regains the lead on double 16 to record an accomplished 13-darter.
1-3 - An accurate attempt at double 18 gives Ronny another 13-dart-finish as he draws first blood.

Second Set
0-1 - Ronny takes out a 64 finish on double 16 to hold throw at the start of set two.
0-2 - The number 12 seed is off-target on tops for a 119 finish and Ronny takes out 80 on double ten to pile further pressure onto his younger brother.
1-2 - Ronny wastes four chances to win the set and Kim converts a 65 finish to steal the leg.
2-2 - Ronny takes command of the leg with scores of 180 and 140. However, one more missed dart for the set sees Kim take out an excellent 90 finish, on the bullseye, to force a deciding leg.
3-2 - Kim lands double 18 to take out a 73 finish and level the contest, with his brother waiting on double 12 for a 2-0 lead.

Third Set
0-1 - Both players miss one dart at double tops before Ronny edges the leg on double ten to break throw.
0-2 - Ronny takes out a 97 finish on double 12, with his brother waiting on 32.
1-2 - The 48-year-old hits his second maximum of the game but his younger sibling hits double 16 at the first attempt.
2-2 - Ronny leaves double 12 to win the set but Kim does not give his brother a chance as he takes out 84 in two darts to force another deciding leg.
3-2 - Ronny hits a 180 to take command of the leg, but missed darts at doubles prove costly as Kim lands double 18 to move ahead for the first time.

Fourth Set
1-0 - Kim breaks his opponent's throw on double top to win a third successive leg.
2-0 - The 28-year-old hits double ten to move a leg away from victory.
3-0 - Ronny leaves double eight after 15 darts thrown, only for Kim to take out a 110 checkout on double 16 to seal the win.

Match Stats

Kim Huybrechts	3-1	Ronny Huybrechts
20	100+	23
10	140+	12
0	170+	0
3	180	3
88.07	Average	90.10
110	High Finish	97
6	Breaks of Throw	4
10/25 - 40%	Finishing - %	7/22 - 31.82%

DEVON PETERSEN 3-1 STEVE BEATON
(1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2)
SOUTH AFRICA’S Devon Petersen knocked Steve Beaton out of the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship with a brilliant four-set victory in the first round on Monday evening.

The 27-year-old, returning from taking a year out of the game to recovering from an arm injury, dropped the opening set, despite landing a superb 141 checkout in the second leg.

The second set went the full distance and proved crucial in the final outcome as Petersen landed a key double one, having missed six previous chances to level the match, after Beaton had missed four darts of his own for a 2-0 lead.

After losing the first leg of set three, Petersen roared back to take next three, which featured a 106 finish, to move 2-1 up in sets.

The South African established a 2-1 lead in the fourth set before Beaton won the fourth leg with an excellent 13-darter, but double 16 in the next saw Petersen secure a popular win, as he celebrated with his own unique dance on stage!

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - Beaton hits tops to win the first leg after Petersen misses one attempt at double 18.
1-1 - Petersen takes out a fantastic 141 checkout to level.
2-1 - The 1996 Lakeside Champion hits double six to regain the lead.
3-1 - Beaton wraps up the opening set on double 16 to take an early advantage.

Second Set
0-1 - Petersen lands double one after missing numerous opportunties to win leg.
0-2 - The South African records a maximum before hitting double 16 to break throw.
1-2 - Petersen misses two chances to win the set and Beaton capitalises by hitting double 16.
2-2 - Beaton takes out a clinical 106 finish to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - Petersen lets four more chances to win the set slip away - six in all - but Beaton fails with four attempts of his own for a 2-0 lead and the South African ends a dramatic leg by hitting double one to level the contest.

Third Set
1-0 - Beaton hits double 12 to record a 15-dart finish.
1-1 - Both players struggle to find the winning double before Petersen hits double one for the third time in the match to level.
1-2 - Petersen takes out an excellent 106 finish to break throw in style.
1-3 - The South African hits double eight at the first time of asking to move a set away from a great win.

Fourth Set
0-1 - Both players post maximums before Petersen hits double five to continue the winning run of legs.
1-1 - Beaton levels by taking out a 98 finish on double 12.
1-2 - Petersen hits double top to move a leg away from the triumph after Beaton had missed one dart at the same double.
2-2 - Beaton produces an excellent 13-darter under pressure to force a deciding leg.
2-3 - The number 22 seed leaves 24 after 15 darts, but the South African takes out 50, hitting double 16 with his third dart, to record a memorable win.

Match Stats

Steve Beaton	1-3	Devon Petersen
20	100+	19
13	140+	15
1	170+	0
2	180	3
87.76	Average	85.67
106	High Finish	141
2	Breaks of Throw	2
8/30 - 26.67%	Finishing - %	10/33 - 30.30%

MERVYN KING 3-0 DARIN YOUNG
(3-0, 3-0, 3-1)
MERVYN KING dropped just one leg to experienced American Darin Young in a clinical first round victory in the 2014 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

King, who suffered a first round exit in an epic clash against Dean Winstanley 12 months ago, will now face 23-year-old Ricky Evans next Monday for a place in the last 16.

The number 14 seed won the first set without reply from his opponent, rounding it off with a superb 136 checkout.

The 2009 semi-finalist continued his strong performance in the second set, which was won by a 3-0 margin, giving his opponent little chance of getting into the contest.

King won the opening two legs of the third set to increase the chance of a whitewash victory before Young avoided the fate by taking the third leg on double seven.

Young produced his best darts of the match in the next with scores of 180, 140 and 165 but failed with 13 attempts at doubles as King hit double top to complete a comprehensive win in just 25 minutes.

Match Information
First Set
1-0 - King makes a good start to the game as he holds throw on double top.
2-0 - The number 14 seed hits a 180 before landing double ten to break the American's throw.
3-0 - King seals the first set in great style as he hits a brilliant 136 finish.

Second Set
1-0 - King continues to shut out his opponent as he hits double six to break throw, with Young yet to have a dart at a double.
2-0 - The former World Masters winner hits double 16 for a 15-darter, which featured a 180.
3-0 - Young misses two chances to get a leg on the board and the clinical King takes out 64 in two darts to move two sets clear.

Third Set
1-0 - Young is off-target with one dart at double top and King takes advantage of the error to hit double 16 at the first attempt
2-0 - King moves a leg away from victory as he hits the centre of the double 16 bed to break throw.
2-1 - Young misses three darts at double seven but King is unable to set up a shot at a double and Young hits double seven to avoid a whitewash.
3-1 - The American registers of scores 180, 140 and 165 to leave double eight after nine darts, but misses a total of 13-darts at doubles and King takes the leg on double 20 to win the match.

Match Stats

Mervyn King	3-0	Darin Young
14	100+	14
7	140+	4
0	170+	0
3	180	1
89.87	Average	82.97
136	High Finish	14
5	Breaks of Throw	1
9/15 - 60%	Finishing - %	1/20 - 5%