O’Connor took control of the tie from the off, winning the first three legs to lead 1-0, averaging 104.6 and not missing a dart at double.
Cappamore man Willie O’Connor got his 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship campaign off to a flying start on Wednesday, as he took down Bhav Patel 3-0 in the opening round at the Alexandra Palace.
The Magpie took control of the tie from the off, winning the first three legs to lead 1-0, averaging 104.6 and not missing a dart at double.
The 37-year-old, who reached the last 32 of the competition in 2022, didn’t drop a single leg on his way to a 3-0 victory, and has now earned a second round meeting with Chris Dobey.
When given the opportunity to throw some fighting words Dobey’s way, O’Connor decided to wish his opponent a happy Christmas, saying he’s “one of the good ones”.
O’Connor had not picked up a televised win since March, and the dominant manner in which he swept Patel aside will fill him with confidence.
The Limerick native admitted he has had a “poor” year so far, but is adamant he can put things right in the coming weeks, starting with his clash with Dobey.
“I’ve been practicing before I’ve come here today so I hope I can either replicate tonight or do a little bit better. I know what I can do so I’ve just got to do it.”
Dobey is the tournament’s 17th seed, and is currently priced at 66/1 to win the Sid Waddell trophy, some way clear of O’Connor who himself is priced at 250/1.
The pair are scheduled to face off in the final match of this Friday’s evening session, which commences at 7pm.
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