Dutch Darts Masters: Jan Dekker beats Adrian Lewis
Jan Dekker delighted the home crowd at the Dutch Darts Masters with a 6-4 win over two-time world champion Adrian Lewis as the European Tour event in Zwolle started on Friday.
Dekker had won through the Host Nation Qualifier to secure his spot in the £135,000 event, and rose to the occasion against the Englishman.
Lewis had come from behind to lead 3-2, but an 11-darter from Dekker levelled before he moved 5-3 up, and he sealed the win with a 13-dart finish.
"It's a great win," said Dekker, who now plays Simon Whitlock in Saturday's second round. "In the beginning I didn't play well but at the end of the day I played okay.
"I'm so proud to play here for the Dutch crowd, and I'm over the moon at the moment."
James Wade's bid to follow up last week's run to the European Darts Grand Prix final with further success was ended at the first hurdle in Zwolle as he lost out 6-3 to Cristo Reyes.
The Spanish ace, who now plays Daryl Gurney, took four of the opening five legs to assume control as he booked his spot in round two.
Josh Payne came through a remarkable 11-leg contest with Jonny Clayton, surviving a missed match dart before progressing to a tie with Mensur Suljovic.
Austrian Darts Open winner Clayton led 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 before Payne hit back to level and then took out 116 on the bull to move 5-4 up.
Clayton forced a decider, but missed double 12 for a 141 checkout to snatch the win before Payne landed double ten for a narrow triumph.
Veteran star Terry Jenkins will lock horns once more with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen in Saturday's second round, after overcoming Belgian youngster Mike De Decker 6-2.
Steve Beaton, the 2017 Dutch Darts Masters finalist, survived missed match darts from Jeffrey de Graaf before he progressed to play Darren Webster with a narrow 6-5 win.
Stephen Bunting set up an all-St Helens tie in round two against Michael Smith with a comfortable 6-1 win over German qualifier Tobias Mueller.
Krzysztof Ratajski enjoyed his first European Tour win of 2018 with a 6-2 success against Ricky Evans, as the Polish star progresses to meet home favourite Jelle Klaasen.
Cameron Menzies set up a second round tie with Dave Chisnall courtesy of a 6-1 win over Kevin Munch, who took out 112 to claim his only leg of a one-sided contest.
Wayne Jones produced a vintage display on the IJsselhallen stage in Zwolle with a first round win as the Dutch Darts Masters began on Friday.
Jones rolled back the years with a superb 101.32 average as he overcame Jamie Lewis 6-5 to progress to round two of the £135,000 tournament.
The Wolverhampton thrower put in three 180s and a 106 checkout en route to victory, and he will now face Kim Huybrechts on Saturday afternoon.
Jermaine Wattimena also gave the home crowd something to cheer with a 6-3 triumph over European Tour debutant Adam Huckvale.
The fast-throwing Host Nation Qualifier was made to work hard for the win by Huckvale, and he will now take on Joe Cullen in round two.
James Wilson produced the second ton-plus average of the afternoon in his 6-2 victory over Johan Engstrom.
Wilson threw a 101.59 average to book his place in the second day of action, where he will come up against second seed Peter Wright.
Kyle Anderson hit five maximums en route to a comfortable 6-3 win over Christian Kist in the final game of the afternoon, and the Australian star will now take on Ian White in round two.
Steve Lennon held his nerve in a tense last-leg decider against Rowby-John Rodriguez to seal a 6-5 win.
The Irish ace goes straight through to Sunday's last 16 after World Champion Rob Cross withdrew on medical grounds.
Ryan Joyce produced a stunning comeback in the opening game of the afternoon as he fought from 5-1 down to beat Michael Rosenauer 6-5.
The European Tour debutant will now face the challenge of Mervyn King in round two.
Dragutin Horvat edged out Toni Alcinas 6-5 to progress to the second day of action, where he will take on Gerwyn Price.
James Richardson overcame Jason Cullen 6-4, and he will meet John Henderson in the second round.
Saturday's second round action sees the 16 seeded players enter the tournament.
Friday May 11
Afternoon Session
First Round (best of 11 legs)
- Ryan Joyce 6-5 Michael Rosenauer
- Toni Alcinas 5-6 Dragutin Horvat
- James Richardson 6-4 Jason Cullen
- Adam Huckvale 3-6 Jermaine Wattimena
- Wayne Jones 6-1 Jamie Lewis
- Johan Engstrom 2-6 James Wilson
- Steve Lennon 6-5 Rowby-John Rodriguez
- Christian Kist 3-6 Kyle Anderson
Evening session
Best of 11 legs
- Cameron Menzies 6-1 Kevin Munch
- Mike De Decker 2-6 Terry Jenkins
- Jeffrey de Graaf 5-6 Steve Beaton
- Tobias Mueller 1-6 Stephen Bunting
- Josh Payne 6-5 Jonny Clayton
- Ricky Evans 2-6 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Jan Dekker 6-4 Adrian Lewis
- James Wade 3-6 Cristo Reyes