Darius Labanauskas celebrates hitting a nine-dart finish (Pic: Sky Sports)

WATCH: Darius Labanauskas hits second nine-dart finish in as many days at World Championship

By Sporting Life

Darts

Sat December 18, 2021 · 3y ago

Darius Labanauskas made it two nine-dart finishes in as many sessions at the World Darts Championship, before crashing out at the hands of Mike de Decker.

The Lithuanian threw 174, 180, 147 to win the opening set, only to lose the following three as De Decker earned a meeting with Dave Chisnall.

"The nine-darter was a special moment in my life but I couldn’t relax after it," confessed Labanauskas. "I think I thought about it for too long and couldn’t find the focus I needed to win the match but well done to Mike, he deserved it."

It was just the 13th perfect leg in World Championship history and came less than 24 hours after William Borland's sensational match-winning nine-darter on Friday night.

Borland's effort ended a six-year wait for a nine-dart finish in front of fans at Alexandra Palace, James Wade's effort last year coming behind-closed-doors, and just four more matches took place before the next.

Evening review: Scare for MVG

Michael van Gerwen came through an early test of his credentials with a 3-1 victory over Chas Barstow.

It was the unheralded Barstow who stole the first set in a deciding leg thanks to van Gerwen's profligacy, and though the third seed won nine of the next 11 legs, he was questioned and never convinced with his answers.

Six 180s at least offered a glimpse into the small improvements van Gerwen appears to have made of late, but he missed 25 darts at double and averaged below 95 in what was ultimately a laboured display.

"I’m happy with the win but not really with how I played, I have to do better in the next round and I’ll do that," said van Gerwen.

"Chas played well in the beginning of the game but I made it too hard for myself by missing too many doubles.

"It’s all about getting through the first game. It’s harder than people think, especially for the top players. I’ve done that and I know I will feel more comfortable as the format get longer as the tournament goes on. I’ve got to improve and I will."

Adam Hunt was a 3-0 winner against Boris Krcmar and Rowby-Jon Rodriguez also won 3-0, his opponent Nick Kenny struggling to score early on and collecting just a single leg.

Jim Williams beat Ted Evetts 3-1 in a match defined by the former's superior finishing but if the afternoon was all about that nine-dart finish, the evening revolved around van Gerwen's scare.

Fallon Sherrock is 'ready' for Gerwyn Price, the World Darts Championship and the Premier League!

More from the afternoon: All White for Diamond

Ian White won his first game in four years at the World Championship, beating Dutchman Chris Landman to reach the third round for the first time since the 2017/18 staging of the sport's showpiece event.

The first set two sets went White's way but Landman, who had stunned Scott Mitchell in the opening round, halved the deficit by clinching set three.

White, however, raced through the fourth set to complete the win and set up a last 32 meeting with Gary Anderson.

"I’m happy with my performance and relieved to get through after how it’s gone the last few years," said White.

"That first game is always difficult to get through. I’ve put in some good averages in the last couple of years and lost so I didn’t care about the average this time.

"All I wanted to do was win. I’ve managed that and I’m looking forward to a good game against Gary."

Rydz turns on the afterburners

Callan Rydz eased to a straight sets victory over Japan’s Yuki Yamada to move into the second round for the third successive year.

From 2-2 in the opening set, Rydz reeled off seven legs on the spin to close out a comfortable victory.

The 2021 World Matchplay quarter-finalist, who has enjoyed a breakthrough 12 months by winning two Players Championship titles, landed six 180s on the way to setting up a round two tie against Brendan Dolan.

"I’m happy with how I played,” said Rydz. "There were some good scoring phases but I dropped off at times as well so I’m just pleased to have got the job done.

"I’ve played Brendan a few times. He’s a good player and I’ll will have to be on my game to beat him."

Father shows son the way

Raymond Smith claimed his first World Championship victory to leave Jamie Hughes still without a win at Alexandra Palace.

Australian qualifier Smith – whose son, Ky, is in action on Sunday afternoon – won an entertaining encounter to kick off Saturday’s action.

Smith won the first set in a deciding leg by taking out 100 for a 12-darter, before doubling his lead despite a second ton-plus checkout from Hughes.

Former Czech Darts Open winner Hughes added a 115 finish as he pulled a set back, but Smith went on to secure a 3-1 success to set up a second round meeting with Devon Petersen.

Today's schedule & results

Saturday December 18
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
First/Second Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Jamie Hughes (96.05) 1-3 (94.84) Raymond Smith
(Set scores: 2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 1-3)
Callan Rydz (91.32) 3-0 (83.36) Yuki Yamada
(Set scores: 3-2, 3-0, 3-0)
Darius Labanauskas (89.35) 1-3 (89.36) Mike De Decker *
(Set scores: 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 0-3)
Ian White (90.92) 3-1 (83.21) Chris Landman (R2)
(Set scores: 3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0)

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
First/Second Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Adam Hunt (89.26) 3-0 (89.04) Boris Krcmar (R1)
(Set scores: 3-1, 3-1, 3-2)
Ted Evetts (87.93) 1-3 (89.71) Jim Williams (R1)
(Set scores: 0-3, 1-3, 3-0, 1-3)
Rowby-John Rodriguez (97.50) 3-0 (82.14) Nick Kenny (R1)
(Set scores: 3-0, 3-1, 3-0)
(3) Michael van Gerwen (94.54) 3-1 (87.37) Chas Barstow (R2)
(Set scores: 2-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)