Peter Wright: Knocked out of the World Championship in the second round

PDC World Darts Championship results: Toni Alcinas beats Peter Wright

By Ben Coley

Darts

Mon December 17, 2018 · 6y ago

A review of Sunday's action at the PDC World Darts Championship, including a remarkable comeback victory for Toni Alcinas over Peter Wright.

Scroll down for full round-up, results & match highlights

Wright crashes out

Toni Alcinas produced the biggest upset of the PDC World Darts Championship so far as he dumped out third seed Peter Wright.

The Spaniard held off a comeback from the former finalist to win 3-1, bravely hitting double 16 for a 13-dart leg and final, fatal break of throw.

Alcinas claimed victories over Phil Taylor and James Wade at the World Cup in 2010, but there was nothing more in the from book to suggest that he might pull off this remarkable shock - except for Wright's questionable form.

Still, having lost the first two sets, Wright appeared to have turned the game in his favour when racing to the third set, a run which included a 10-dart leg.

Wright looked to be in command of the fourth set, too, but Alcinas forced the Scot to throw for the match and Wright opened the door with a throw of 60, to which Alcinas replied with a 180.

Further throws of 137 and 100 saw him leave 84 and while unable to take it in three, Wright was similarly unable to hit the 161 finish he needed to stay alive.

Alcinas returned with double 16 in his sights and hit the target to register a victory which stands as the biggest upset so far, and may yet remain that way come the conclusion of the tournament.

"I played really well and I'm happy," said Alcinas, after defeating Wright for the first time in his career, having lost seven previous encounters against the Scotsman.

"I had played against Peter several times and could never beat him. He didn't play his best game but it was still a hard match and I had to play well to win.

"It is a special moment for me and I hope I can go even further now."

Wright, who hit a 167 checkout in the first set, averaged 94.7 compared to Alcinas' 93.12 but only hit eight of his 31 attempts at doubles. His opponent made nine from 21 and also hit more 180s with six to Wright's four.

Lim beaten by Smith

There was to be no fairytale from Paul Lim on this occasion as he lost 3-1 to Ross Smith.

Lim scored well but came unstuck at the key moments, including when Smith threw a 106 finish to take the first set against the darts.

A 138 checkout in the second leg of the second set helped Smith double his lead and while Lim took the third, he lost the following three legs and the match.

More from Sunday night

Darius Labanauskas beat Matthew Edgar 3-1, despite losing a low-key first set, while Luke Humphries impressed to thrash Adam Hunt 3-0.

Humphries averaged 97.58 and hit five maximums, with a 121 checkout also among the highlights in a one-sided victory.

"The first set was a bit scrappy but I'm really pleased with how I played after that," said the 23-year-old, who averaged 97.58 and won nine legs on the trot after losing the opening set.

"I feel like I am a better player this year and the Development and Challenge Tours have really helped me. Without them I wouldn't be here playing like I did."

Chisnall back from the brink

Dave Chisnall survived an almighty scare to advance to the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Chisnall trailed Josh Payne 2-0 having lost the opening seven legs of the match, but recovered to first draw level and then win a tense final set for a 3-2 victory.

Payne, who beat Jeff Smith 3-2 in the first round to earn a clash with Chisnall, set a relentless pace over the opening two sets, limiting his opponent to just three darts at double.

With none having found their target, Payne was 2-0 to the good in the blink of an eye and while Chisnall got on the board in the third set, as it went to 2-2 it was Payne throwing for the match.

Then came the turning point, Chisnall producing a 13-dart leg to halve the deficit before taking out 103 to open the fourth set, one he'd go on to win.

Payne had more chances in the fifth, first missing two darts for a break of throw and a 2-0 lead and then one more to keep the match alive, before Chisnall ended it on double two.

"Exciting for the crowd," said Chisnall. "He played phenomenal. I played OK, but didn't get a sniff (early on). I thought 'he can't play like this all the time - hopefully (he'll) make a few mistakes'.

"I've had loads of good comebacks. I just didn't give in - I thought 'keep battling, keep battling'. When I went 2-0 down I just carried on playing. Luckily I got the win."

More from Sunday afternoon

Gabriel Clemens beat Aden Kirk 3-0 in the opening match on Sunday, earning a second-round clash with 28th seed John Henderson.

Clemens was by no means ruthless, missing 22 darts at double, but his opponent hit just three from 16 and that was how the match was won.

William O'Connor beat Yordi Meeuwisse by the same scoreline to advance to a meeting with James Wilson, completing victory with a 107 checkout.

Brendan Dolan also eased through, a 141 finish the highlight in his 3-0 victory over Yuanjun Liu. Joe Cullen awaits.

Sunday's results & Monday schedule

Sunday December 16
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
First/Second Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Gabriel Clemens 3-0 Aden Kirk (R1)
William O’Connor 3-0 Yordi Meeuwisse (R1)
Brendan Dolan 3-0 Yuanjun Liu (R1)
Dave Chisnall 3-2 Josh Payne (R2)

Evening Session (1900)
First/Second Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Luke Humphries 3-0 Adam Hunt (R1)
Matthew Edgar 1-3 Darius Labanauskas (R1)
Ross Smith 3-1 Paul Lim (R1)
Peter Wright 1-3 Toni Alcinas (R2)

Monday December 17
Evening Session
First/Second Round (Best of 5 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Vincent van der Voort v Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Wayne Jones v Devon Petersen (R1)
Ryan Joyce v Anastasia Dobromyslova (R1)
Raymond van Barneveld v Edgar/Labanauskas (R2)

Full World Championship draw and schedule