Scott Williams sees off Rob Cross at the World Darts Championship as Ricky Evans defeats Dave Chisnall
Scott Williams sent former World Champion Rob Cross packing on the final day of Second Round action at the World Darts Championship, as Dave Chisnall also crashed out.
A further three seeds were subjected to early exits at Alexandra Palace on Monday, ensuring a tournament record of 14 seeded players have departed at this stage of the competition.
Cross, the 2018 World Champion, was knocked out by his stablemate Williams – who avenged his defeat at the hands of ‘Voltage’ on this stage two years ago.
Cross claimed a scrappy opening set, only for last year’s semi-finalist Williams to win the next three without reply to continue his Ally Pally love affair.
“It’s so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends,” said Williams.
“Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you’ve got to take it.
“I’m always confident, regardless of who I’m playing, but I’m just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.”
Evans won through a sudden death thriller to topple sixth seed Chisnall in a contest which saw both players squander match darts in the latter stages.
Leading 4-3 in the deciding set, Chisnall missed a match dart at tops and paid a heavy price, as Evans landed a skin-saving 110 checkout to preserve his hopes.
Chisnall then defied a remarkable miscount on a 139 checkout to force a sudden-death leg, but Kettering ace Evans held his nerve to advance to the Last 32 for a second successive year.
“I would have been distraught if I lost that game, because I put so much into it,” admitted Evans.
“I want to beat everyone. I don’t care who is in my way, if I play my game I’ve got a chance, and I have to believe this.
“It’s lovely to be able to go home for Christmas with the family knowing that I’m coming back here. I can’t wait!”
Welsh number one Jonny Clayton also survived a match dart to edge out Grand Slam semi-finalist Mickey Mansell – who had kicked off an enthralling deciding set with back-to-back checkouts of 136 and 154.
Two-time World Cup winner Clayton responded with a blistering three-leg burst of 15, 12 and 10-dart legs to regain control, before fending off a valiant Mansell to triumph in a marathon contest.
“That was very emotional. That meant a lot to me,” reflected the world number seven, who will now face Daryl Gurney for a place in round four.
“I wouldn’t wish that pressure on my worst enemy, but I’ve got a smile on my face because I came out the winner!
“I know I have another few gears in the locker, but that was a test, to try and make me believe again!”
Gurney was another player to prevail in a compelling five-set encounter, after overturning a 2-1 deficit to edge out Germany’s Florian Hempel with a 98 average.
The Northern Irishman defied a blistering start from Hempel to level proceedings, and although Hempel regained the lead in set three, Gurney rattled off the next two to complete the comeback.
Gurney’s compatriot Josh Rock returned to winning ways with a dominant straight-sets success over Welsh debutant Rhys Griffin, dropping just two legs in the process.
Ricardo Pietreczko is the sole German left standing in this year’s tournament, having advanced to the Last 32 with an impressive 3-1 victory over World Youth Champion Gian van Veen.
Andrew Gilding produced a terrific mid-match burst to defeat Grand Slam runner-up Martin Lukeman by the same scoreline, landing six 180s to move through to a contest with Nathan Aspinall.
Meanwhile, Krzysztof Ratajski overcame Asian Tour number one Alexis Toylo in a high-quality affair, and his reward will be a Last 32 tussle against Michael Smith’s conqueror – Kevin Doets.
Following a three-day Christmas break, the tournament will resume on December 27, with the Third Round ties getting under way.
World Darts Championship 2024/25 Day Nine Results
Monday December 23
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Alexis Toylo
Andrew Gilding 3-1 Martin Lukeman
Josh Rock 3-0 Rhys Griffin
Jonny Clayton 3-2 Mickey Mansell
Evening Session
Gian van Veen 1-3 Ricardo Pietreczko
Daryl Gurney 3-2 Florian Hempel
Dave Chisnall 2-3 Ricky Evans
Rob Cross 1-3 Scott Williams
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