PDC World Matchplay Day 3 Review

The third night at the PDC World Matchplay saw the big boys come out to play as Phil Taylor comfortably made it through to round two, whilst there were also wins for Dave Chisnall and Andy Hamilton who put out Raymond van Barneveld. World Youth Champion Keegan Brown caused a shock knocking out Robert Thornton.

Robert Thornton 7-10 Keegan Brown

Both players started the game in red-hot form hitting 180s for fun, setting an incredible early standard that would be hard to continue. The youngster broke Thornton twice early doors to take a 5-1 lead before both began exchanging breaks as Brown went into the second break 6-4 in front. The reigning World Youth champion was in no mood to allow the seed back into the game and Brown sealed victory on the bull for a 10-7 victory.

Dave Chisnall 13-11 Jamie Caven

With Dave Chisnall the red-hot favourite after an impressive Premier League campaign, it was The Sport Lowdown’s new columnist Jamie Caven that got the first break of the game, though ‘Chizzy’ was to break straight back. Both players had chance to break but it was Chisnall that went 6-4 in front at the break with Caven ruing missed opportunities to break. Caven broke straight back and the next period was darts at its finest as the score hit 9-9 to go into sudden-death. With little to seperate either player and tension of the highest order, it was Chisnall that took the tie 13-11 in what was the match of the tournament so far.

Phil Taylor 10-2 John Henderson

It was always going to be difficult for the ‘Highlander’ John Henderson as he came up against a Phil Taylor who has won the last seven tournaments here and only last 6 times in 22 years in Blackpool. Taylor ran amok once again as he won both early series 4-1 to take an 8-2 lead in the tie with Henderson doing little wrong despite Taylor missing numerous darts at double. Taylor’s scoring was an ominous sign as he wrapped up the tie by taking out 32 for a 10-2 win at the Winter Gardens.

Raymond van Barneveld 7-10 Andy Hamilton

With both players not in the best of form it was always going to be who would start the fastest and it was the ‘Hammer’ who was on fire with his doubles, with Barny looking increasingly out of sorts. Doubles were once again proving to be the Dutchman’s achilles heel as Hamilton rode into a 8-2 lead. A brief comeback from Barny threatened to derail Hamilton’s charge into round two, but the ‘Hammer’ kept his nerve to seal victory a 10-7 victory with a double 9, and he will now go on to face Phil Taylor.