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Steve Lennon and William O'Connor book round two spots at Ally Pally

Updated / Wednesday, 20 Dec 2023 23:24
Steve Lennon celebrates his win during his round one match against Owen Bates
Steve Lennon celebrates his win during his round one match against Owen Bates

Ireland's Steve Lennon and William O'Connor are through to the second round at the PDC World Championships.

Lennon showed resolve in a pulsating contest at Alexandra Palace as he fought back to win 3-2 against Exeter debutant Owen Bates, who had held a two-set lead.

Carlow native Lennon won nine of the last 11 legs against the 21-year-old crowd favourite to claim the win needed to retain his PDC Tour card.

"I don't know how I won that," he said. "I was panicking deep down, it's a massive win."

Bates had qualified through the PDC Challenge Tour and hit five 180s and producing 101 and 108 second-set checkouts.

But Bates missed five doubles for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set as Lennon, who hit six maximums, grew stronger and booked a second-round meeting with Welshman Jonny Clayton.

Joy for William O'Connor and a disappointed Bhav Patel

Limerick's O'Connor, meanwhile, had a far more comfortable time with a 3-0 victory over Bhav Patel.

The Indian left-hander was close to a 157 finish but he failed to win a single leg and the impressive O'Connor - who hit 64% of his doubles and averaged 98.74 - will play Chris Dobey next.

Poland's Cork-based Radek Szaganski took to the stage on his Alexandra Palace debut wearing the colours of the Irish flag.

Szaganski overcame Finland's Marko Kantele 3-2 with a final set 142 checkout helping him through to a second-round clash with five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.

Number 16 seed Ross Smith was stung by a wasp on stage at the World Championship after avoiding second-round pain to Niels Zonneveld.

Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Zonneveld before running into problems.

"There's the wasp," Smith said in his post-match Sky Sports interview as he noticed the insect.

The Englishman then recoiled in pain and said: "He's just stung me like a good one. Little bugger."

Smith, a prolific maximum hitter, was below his best but still produced seven 180s and the second 170 checkout of the tournament to see off plucky Dutchman Zonnevald.

"It wasn't a great game and I didn't play nowhere near what I can," said Smith. "But I can enjoy my turkey and pigs in blankets now.

"I tried to get some fire in my belly, but it was really difficult. I was a bit nervy the last couple of days, everyone is because you just want to get through.

"I will relax now and hopefully be better after Christmas."

Two-time winner Peter Wright crashed out after a 3-0 defeat to Jim Williams.

The 53-year-old, who was dressed as the Grinch complete with lime-green hair, ensured a miserable Christmas after posting a dismal three-dart average of less than 84.

Williams, a BDO runner-up in 2020, was also far from his best in a poor quality clash, admitting afterwards: "I was fighting myself all the way and it's a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we’ll get there."

A star was born earlier as 16-year-old Luke Littler marked his World Championship debut with a blistering 3-0 win over experienced Dutchman Christian Kist.

Littler showed no nerves as he hit seven 180s and finished with an extraordinary average of 110 to mark himself out as a genuine contender for the crown.

The teenager told Sky Sports: "I can’t believe how quickly I settled in. I was a bit nervous going to the stage but as soon as I found my rhythm, I was in."

Richard Veenstra eased past Ben Robb 3-0 while Ryan Joyce was a 3-1 winner over Alex Spellman.

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Accreditation: PA

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