Gurney survives O’Connor’s return to progress

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Derry’s Daryl Gurney overcame Willie O’Connor’s challenge to advance to the third round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.

The former Grand Prix champion had to survive the comeback from Limerick’s O’Connor, who had beaten Niels Zonneveld yesterday, to claim his 3-2 win and book a date with England’s Chris Dobey after Christmas.

Gurney opened a quick 2-0 lead, leaving just one leg, which included a 121 out.

With the third set tied 2-2, Gurney missed four match darts with O’Connor even saving his arrows before returning to finish off his leg and prolong the game.

That turned the momentum towards Cappamore’s man and he served 122 and won the fourth set 3-1.

Throwing against darts in the final set, Gurney immediately broke the Magpie and his fifth 180 helped establish what turned out to be an impregnable lead, with the world number 11 rolling out double-8 to end the game.

“My score is back,” Gurney, who averaged 99.19, told Sky Sports.

“I feel like I haven’t played my best in my last TV tournaments. I knew I was going to have a tough game. I’m happy to get the win. It’s one game at a time.”

There were also first-round wins for Madars Razma, Ryan Murray and Edward Shoji Foulkes, who will be the opponent of Fermanagh’s man, Brendan Dolan, in the second round on Tuesday.

There are two Irish players in action on Friday afternoon with Mickey Mansell from Tyrone and New Zealander Haupai Puha, while Ciaran Teehan from Cork faces England’s Wayne Jones.

In the afternoon session, Grand Slam champion José de Sousa beat Ross Smith 3-1, Jamie Lewis edged Luke Woodhouse 3-2, Ron Meulenkamp beat Boris Krcmar 3-1, while Ryan Searle survived a valiant effort by American Danny Lauby.



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