MARK DUDBRIDGE 3-1 JOHN KUCZYNSKI
(3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
MARK DUDBRIDGE overcame his nerves to defeat American John Kuczynski 3-1 and set up a tasty round two clash with Andy Hamilton at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The 2005 finalist has endured a bad year in the PDC's televised tournaments, suffering four first-game losses.
But a switch to new darts helped him end that run with an at times classy win over the US Number One.
He landed the first of six maximums in the opening leg of the match, announcing his intentions with a 12-darter.
The Bristolian took leg two with a 15-darter before taking the set to punish sloppy finishing from Kuczynski.
The American - who reached round three last year - found his range in the
second set, which he took 3-1 and included a 13-darter.
Further maximums from Dudbridge helped him into a 2-0 lead at the start of the next set, before Kuczynski posted a 180 of his own on the way to taking the third leg in 15 darts.
However, Dudbridge comfortably took the fourth leg to extend his lead in the match to 2-1.
Two 15-darters in the next set put him within sight of the finishing line, and he took out 74 with three darts to seal the match.
"I was very nervous," admitted Dudbridge. " I can't say how much pressure was on me because of my past performances.
"Everything came so easily for me a couple of years ago but I've had a tough time recentlu and haven't been performing to my potential.
"I've gone back to basics, practising when I want and going back to my natural ability. I'm through and have something to build on now."
Match Stats
|
Mark |
3-1 |
John |
|
16 |
100+ |
16 |
|
7 |
140+ |
10 |
|
6 |
180 |
1 |
|
28.94 |
Ave1 |
27.56 |
|
86.82 |
Ave3 |
82.68 |
|
81 |
High Finish |
69 |
ROLAND SCHOLTEN 3-0 RON MILLER
(3-1, 3-0, 3-0)
ROLAND SCHOLTEN produced a fine display to surge past Canada's Ron Miller and into the last 32 of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman dropped just one leg and showed glimpses of his high-scoring best in a straight sets triumph.
He missed doubles to win the opening leg as Miller made a good start to land double 16, but Scholten stepped up a gear to race through the set.
Scholten landed his first maximum in leg two as he levelled matters, and took out finishes of 126 and 101 - for a 12-darter - to take the set.
The Dutchman won the opener to the second set on double one, but further legs of 15 and 12 darts doubled his cushion.
And he swept through the third set without Miller reaching the double to book his second round spot.
"Ron tried his best but there was a point there I knew I had him early on," said Scholten.
"It was a solid performance and a good start to the tournament for me."
Match Stats
|
Roland |
3-0 |
Ron |
|
14 |
100+ |
7 |
|
6 |
140+ |
4 |
|
4 |
180 |
- |
|
29.96 |
Ave1 |
21.77 |
|
89.89 |
Ave3 |
65.31 |
|
126,101 |
High Finish |
32 |
COLIN OSBORNE 3-1 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2)
COLIN OSBORNE held off a gutsy fightback from Kevin Painter to enjoy a winning debut at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The 31-year-old battled through the PDPA Qualifiers earlier this month to earn his place in only a fourth televised tournament since turning professional less than two years ago.
Painter, the 2004 finalist, began superbly with a 155 finish to take the opening leg, and landed a maximum on his way to the second.
Osborne stepped in to save the set with double ten and punished misses from Painter to level matters at 2-2 before hitting double 16 to steal into the lead.
The first two legs of set two went against the darts before Osborne posted his first maximum in a superb ten-darter - the best yet in this year's tournament - to move 2-1 up.
He began a second successive leg with a 180 before wrapping up the second set on double eight to extend his lead in the match.
Painter battled back in typical fashion to edge the third set 3-2 and stay in the match.
Osborne took the opening leg of set four and stepped in to take the third and a 2-1 lead when Painter missed his doubles.
The world number 13 took out a 101 finish for a pressure 12-darter to stay in the contest, and they traded maximums in the decider before Osborne took out double five for a memorable triumph.
"I guess I looked pretty laid back but I was going crazy inside," said Osborne, who now meets Wes Newton.
"I just kept plugging away and when the chances came I took them. It's brilliant and I'll look forward to playing Wes now - he's a great player and a good mate so it should be enjoyable."
Match Stats
|
Kevin |
1-3 |
Kevin |
|
26 |
100+ |
17 |
|
9 |
140+ |
15 |
|
4 |
180 |
7 |
|
28.65 |
Ave1 |
28.87 |
|
89.96 |
Ave3 |
86.62 |
|
155 |
High Finish |
59 |
ALEX ROY 3-0 RICHIE BURNETT
(3-0, 3-0, 3-1)
ALEX ROY sailed into round two of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 3-0 win over Richie Burnett.
Welshman Burnett, the 1995 Embassy winner, was looking to reignite his career after falling out of the world's top 32 and being forced to come through the qualifiers to win a Purfleet place.
But his hopes were dashed by an on-song Roy, who dropped just one leg in a strong performance.
He took the opening leg with the throw, and punished Burnett's misses to double the lead before sealing the first set in 16 darts.
He also took the second set without reply as Burnett extended his tally of missed doubles to 11.
A 13-darter put Roy ahead in the third and he moved to within a leg of victory before Burnett finally got off the mark with double six.
But Roy had the last laugh to seal the win in 14 darts and set up a tasty second clash with Roland Scholten.
Match Stats
|
Alex |
3-0 |
Richie |
|
18 |
100+ |
16 |
|
7 |
140+ |
4 |
|
- |
180 |
1 |
|
28.40 |
Ave1 |
26.60 |
|
85.21 |
Ave3 |
79.80 |
|
33 |
High Finish |
24 |
