William O’Connor advanced to the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship, following a tense 3-2 victory over Daniel Lauby. A last leg decider came after Lauby had faught back from 2-0 down, but O’Connor made use of the advantage of throw to take the victory, despite missed darts at double 20.
The Magpie was broken in the opening leg, but was on fire in winning the next three legs, to take the opening set 3-1. He averaged 106 in a blistering opening set.
American Lauby was making his second appearance at the PDC World Championships, while O’Connor has now won the opening round for the fourth consecutive campaign.
The Cappamore native was on form in the second set, taking three consecutive legs, to win 3-1 once again. O’Connor looked likely to breeze into the second round, but Lauby, who is hoping to join the PDC Tour next year, didn’t go easily.
Then the fightback arrived from the American. With O’Connor just one leg away in set four, Lauby showed great quality to force a fifth set.
But O’Connor showed the greater composure and hit an early 180, as Lauby faltered. This gave the greater opening to the world number 42 who finished on D20, to great relief.
The result sets up a third-round clash with Glen Durrant. Englishman ‘Duzza’ won the 2020 Premier League crown, but since then has struggled for top form.
Meanwhile, O’Connor’s World Cup pairs partner, Steve Lennon, advanced to the second round, following a 3-1 victory over Latvian Madars Razma. ‘Scuba Steve’ landed seven ‘180s’, and landed a quality 136 checkout in the second set.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Derry’s Daryl Gurney overturned a first set loss to defeat Ricky Evans, setting up a third round contest against one of Rob Cross, Raymond Van Barneveld or Lourence Ilagan.
There was also wins for Chas Barstow and Chris Landman, while the opening evening saw World Champion Gerwyn Price advance to round three, despite being booed incessantly during his 3-1 victory over Ritchie Edhouse.
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