PDC World Darts Championship day eight: Peter Wright through to second round
A review of the action on the eighth day of the PDC World Darts Championship as Peter Wright makes the second round despite a recent health scare.
Wright wins but 'still not well'
Second seed Peter Wright beat Brazil's Diogo Portela 3-1 to reach the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Wright's place at the tournament was in doubt after a recent health scare when he was rushed to hospital on November 30 and scans later confirmed the 47-year-old had three gallstones.
'Snakebite', who revealed before the match that he'd lost almost two stone in weight, produced a three-dart average of 97.9 against a stubborn Portela as he claimed victory on his return to action.
Wright isn't feeling too good though ahead of his clash against Jamie Lewis in round two.
"That’s the most I’ve ever sweated on stage," he told Sky Sports.
"I’m still not well, to be honest."
Wright started the contest in style by winning the opening set to nil but he knew that this wasn't going to be a simple night's work when Portela bounced back to make it one set apiece.
The third set went to a deciding leg but Wright prevailed and made no mistake after that to seal a 3-1 success.
Richardson stuns Huybrechts
James Richardson became the latest player to spring a surprise in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship as he defeated 18th seed Kim Huybrechts 3-0.
Richardson defeated Raymond van Barneveld in the first round back in 2012 before losing to Huybrechts but this was his time for revenge.
The 43-year-old from Rushden in Northamptonshire only lost two legs on the way to a convincing victory against his Belgian opponent.
Sky Bet have Richardson all the way out at 400/1 to win the tournament.
Richardson missed double 18 for a 12-darter to go 2-0 up in sets but he wasn't down for long as double six was taken out to move to the brink of victory.
There was no looking back for Richardson in the third set as he bagged a 105 checkout for the first leg and comfortably took care of Huybrechts for a place in round two.
'The Rascal' celebrated as Fat Les' 1998 hit Vindaloo played across Alexandra Palace but there won't be a curry for the victor tonight.
"Vindaloo, it means a lot to me," Richardson, who faces Alan Norris next, told Sky Sports.
"I love curries. I don’t want one (a curry tonight), I’ll have one tomorrow."
Webster works hard for win
Darren Webster was pushed all the way by Devon Petersen as the 23rd seed claimed a 3-2 victory in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
It was all looking good for Webster in the opening two sets, including a fabulous 160 checkout to go 2-0 up.
South Africa's Peterson though was full of fight and took the third set with his third attempt at double eight. That success came after Webster had missed two throws at double 20 for the victory.
Peterson took the contest to a deciding set but 'Demolition Man' Webster kept his composure to book a spot in the second round against Simon Whitlock.
Alcinas reigns for Spain
Toni Alcinas won the local derby with fellow Spaniard Cristo Reyes in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Alcinas collected a 3-1 victory to book a clash against Germany's Kevin Munch, who claimed a surprise win against former world champion Adrian Lewis, on Wednesday December 27.
The first two sets went to Alcinas but Reyes have himself hope of a comeback victory by taking the third.
It wasn't to be for Reyes as Alcinas secured his place in the second round by hitting double 16 at the third time of asking.
Thursday's results
Evening Session
First Round (Best of 5 sets)
- Cristo Reyes 1-3 Toni Alcinas
- Kim Huybrechts 0-3 James Richardson
- Darren Webster 3-2 Devon Petersen
- Peter Wright 3-1 Diogo Portela