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A nervous Nathan Aspinall faltered in his World Darts Championship opener and was beaten by Leonard Gates on the same night as Christian Kist hit a nine-darter and suffered defeat.
Aspinall, who suffered an unexpected defeat at the same stage last year, almost escaped an upset this time around and ensured their progress after Christmas with a 3–1 win.
Gates, who had a tearful victory over Cameron Menzies in his first-round match on Monday, shared glimpses in the opening two sets before Aspinall eventually moved clear.
“I’m relieved to get through it. It was a very tough game of darts,” said Aspinall, who faces Andrew Gilding, Martin Lukeman or Nitin Kumar in the last 32.
“Coming into the tournament I was feeling really good but I put too much pressure on myself to perform tonight. I have been under a lot of scrutiny in the last few months because I have not been playing well.
“I came here to prove how good I am and move forward in the tournament. It wasn’t good, but I won the game and now I can enjoy Christmas and come back stronger after the break “
The American checked to 106 for a break of throws in the first set, only for Aspinall to do better in the immediate subsequent stage to take the opener with a score of 114.
But the 12th seed was very poor in the second set, losing with an average of less than 80. Despite such struggles, he would have two darts over the top for a two-set lead, but Gates fouled his lines rather than level things up.
Aspinall made modest improvements in the final two sets, but survived some nervous moments along the way, including turning down some match darts as Gates threatened to force a deciding set.
The two-time semi-finalists will know they will have to play much better if they are to make another deep run at Alexandra Palace.
Kist’s nine-darter was his 15th ever at the Worlds and the first since Michael Smith’s famous “I can’t speak” perfect leg in a 2023 final.
However, the Dutchman was unable to pounce on his incredible moment of winning the first set as his opponent madar razma He maintained his composure and won the next three sets in spectacular fashion to set up the match against Dirk Van Duijvenbode.
However, Kist won £60,000 for his nine-darter, as did a lucky fan in the Ely Pally crowd, with tournament sponsor Paddy Power also donating £60,000 to prostate cancer to mark the moment.
Kist said, “The nine-darter was an amazing moment, hitting double 12 felt amazing. It was a lovely moment for everyone and I hope Chris enjoys the money.”
“Maybe I’ll go on vacation next month with the prize money. I lost the game though, so I’m a little disappointed to be eliminated in the first round.”
ricky evans He was far from his ‘rapid’ best while playing hard in his opening match against Gordon Mathers, forcing him into a deciding final set.
Evans ultimately prevailed and set up a second round meeting with sixth seed Dave Chisnall when he scored 109, finishing by more than the first ton of an otherwise poor match.
In the opening match of the night, Jim Williams missed five match darts and lost 3–2 in his first round match. paolo nebrida,
To make matters worse for the Welshman, he also lost three darts while taking the opening set. Ross Smith awaits Nebrida in the next round.
It’s another bumper day of action with the return of the afternoon session on Thursday, December 19, live on Sky Sports Darts from 12.30pm – the line-up readings are as follows: Chris Landman vs Lok Yin Lee, Callan Ridge vs Romeo Grbavac, Martin Lukeman versus Nitin Kumar and 27th seed Gabriel Clemence against Robert Owen in the second round.
Starting at 7pm, live on Sky Sports Darts, former World Champion Michael Smith will headline the evening session, with the night concluding with a clash with 2023 champion and second seed Kevin Doates, while the first of three first-round matches will be Nick Kenny vs Stowe Buntz is involved. , Mensur Suljovic vs. Matt Campbell and last year’s semi-finalist Scott Williams vs. Nico Springer.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel until 3 January. Stream darts and more top games with NOW,
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