Following on from a thrilling opening night at the PDC World Darts Championship which saw Gerwyn Price’s title defence get off to a winning start, Thursday served up even more drama at Alexandra Palace.
Top of the bill was the battle between two darting warriors in Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis, with a spot in the third round on the line and at least one big name headed for the exit. Lewis famously struck a nine-darter against Anderson to win his first World title in 2011 and the pair met in a World Championship final just five years ago with ‘The Flying Scotsman’ coming out on top.
And this time it was the Scot who was victorious again as Anderson came from a set down to beat his fellow two-time world champion 3-1. ‘Jackpot’ wasted four darts at double to keep his hopes alive, and Anderson sealed his place in the last 32 with a two-dart 60 checkout.
Gary Anderson is on the march, yet again, going from strength to strength in that match defeating Adrian Lewis 3-1!
The battle of the champions goes the way of The Flying Scotsman...
Four-time Women’s World Champion Lisa Ashton came so close to sealing a first win on the PDC World Championship stage last year and she marked her third Ally Pally appearance with a meeting against Ron Meulenkamp. Unfortunately, it was a night to forget for ‘The Lancashire Rose’, who just wasn’t at the races, suffering a 3-0 whitewashing at the hands of the Dutchman, who progressed with an 87 average. ‘Ron the Bomb’ faces Michael Smith in round two.
William O'Connor and Danny Lauby kicked off this evening’s action in London in style. ‘The Magpie’ had to fend off a superb fightback from his American opponent to book a second round showdown against Glen Durrant. The Irishman had looked in total control of the tie early on but was forced to hold his nerve in a sudden death decider to edge Lauby 3-2 with a 96 average and seven 180s.
Ryan Meikle picked up his first World Championship win at the third time of trying after beating 16-year-old Fabian Schmultzer in straight sets. ‘The Barber’ will take on Peter Wright in the second round.
PDC World Darts Championship Day Two Results:
Evening Session
William O'Connor 3-2 Danny Lauby
Ryan Meikle 3-0 Fabian Schmutzler
Ron Meulenkamp 3-0 Lisa Ashton
Gary Anderson vs Adrian Lewis
Afternoon Session
Steve Lennon 3-1 Madars Razma
Scott Mitchell 0-3 Chris Landman
Chas Barstow 3-1 John Norman Jnr
Daryl Gurney 3-1 Ricky Evans
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