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Scott Waites edged one of the mostexciting matches of the 2020/21 World Championship so far, as he and Canada’s Matt Campbell played out all 25 legs in an Ally Pally classic yesterday.
Former Grand Slam of Darts winner Waites came from two legs down to prevail in a dramatic deciding set on his Alexandra Palace debut.
Campbell clinched a high-scoring opening set, which included five 180s, thanks to a sublime 160 checkout in the fifth leg.
Waites levelled before coming from a set behind again to force the decider, in which a brilliant 152 finish gave his opponent a two-leg lead.
The Yorkshireman refused to be denied, however, winning the following two legs to secure a last-leg shoot-out which he won with a fabulous 11-darter, finishing 81 to move into round two.
“After playing 24 legs to get to that point I was determined not to lose,” said twotime Lakeside Champion Waites, who will meet Nathan Aspinall in round two.
“I’ve played one of the best games ever and only just managed to get over the line. I have to give credit to Matt for that. I feel sorry for him having to go back to Canada but what a player.
“On my day I can give anybody a game and I think I can take Nathan all the way.
“As a Yorkshireman I like to get my money’s worth and I think everybody watching at home got their money’s worth today.”
Kim Huybrechts posted the highest average of the tournament so far as he raced to victory against China’s Di Zhuang.
The Belgian star averaged 104.05, landed five 180s and won nine consecutive legs without reply to cruise into the second round, where he will face Ian White.
“I’m happy with my performance. I had to focus on myself because I didn’t know what to expect from my opponent,” said Huybrechts.
“I didn’t underestimate him and it showed in my performances. I’ve worked really hard this year and it paid off today.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready for a World Championship so I hope I can keep my focus and keep playing like this.”
Ireland’s Steve Lennon eased into the second round with a 3-1 victory over Sweden’s Daniel Larsson.
The former World Cup of Darts finalist dominated the match for long spells, winning six of the first eight legs to take a two-set lead.
Larsson took the third set but Lennon refused to be drawn into a battle as a brilliant 10-darter helped him win what proved to be the final set without dropping a leg.