PDC World Championship - Match Report 6. Day
BARNEY AND WHITLOCK TURN ON THE STYLE AS DOLAN EASES THROUGH
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD and Simon Whitlock breezed through the first round of the William Hill World Darts Championship with straight sets victories as Brendan Dolan also progressed on Tuesday at London's Alexandra Palace.
Five-time World Champion Van Barneveld produced finishes of 120 and 156 in a wonderful display as he dropped just two legs in defeating Robbie Green. The Dutch great, who last reached the final in 2009, will face Alan Norris in the last 32 following a classy performance in which he averaged over 98.
"It was tougher than it looked," said van Barneveld, who knocked out world number one Michael van Gerwen on his way to last year's semi-finals.
"The first set was the key. It was important but it's still not easy because I know what Robbie can do. To play on this stage is the best thing we darts players do and I love it and will try to make it continue."
2010 finalist Whitlock reached the second round for the first time in three years with a fabulous display of finishing against German qualifier Dragutin Horvat.
Horvat had earlier come from a set down to defeat Russia's Boris Koltsov 2-1 in their preliminary round tie, but had no answer to a fine performance from the number 17 seed.
The Australian, who has won two Players Championship events in 2016, ended the match with back-to-back checkouts of 170 and 158 as he set up a second round clash with Darren Webster, who defeated Whitlock at Ally Pally two years ago and at last month's Players Championship Finals.
"I've got revenge on my mind but I'll enjoy this win first," said Whitlock, who reached the semi-finals in 2014 when he last got past the first round stage. "I'm really happy. I love a 170 as everyone knows, but I've been playing really well again recently and it feels like it's all coming good for me at the right time. I played well but I know I can play better and I will have to against Darren and if I go even further in the tournament."
Former World Grand Prix finalist Dolan averaged over 95 and took out a 102 finish in an assured display against Dutchman Kist, who reached a Players Championship final in 2016 but saw his campaign end in disappointment.
"I was happy with that - especially my finishing," said Dolan, who had a double success rate of 56 percent. "I've struggled for 18 months but my form is coming back. I've got more determination, confidence and drive than ever before and I'm so pleased to get through. I've never really have had a good run here but on that World Championship stage, anything is possible."