World Darts Championship: Adrian Lewis cruised to a comfortable win over Jan Dekker
Thursday 24 December 2015 10:35, UK
Adrian Lewis made an impressive start at the World Darts Championship as he completed a ruthless 3-0 win over Jan Dekker in the first round.
The two-time world champion dismantled the Dutchman with heavy scoring and clinical finishing, sealing his victory with a dazzling 164 finish at Alexandra Palace.
But Jelle Klaasen produced the performance of the night in another whitewash 3-0 win over Joe Cullen which saw him end with an average of 102.54, the highest in the tournament so far.
Dekker had been expected to pose a stern test to Lewis, but could only watch helplessly from the back of the oche while the Stoke man peppered the treble 20.
Lewis nearly repeated his nine-darter from last year as he raced through the opening leg, and then quickly added the second after an effortless 63 finish.
But his best was left to last and Dekker had drawn level at 2-2 in the third when Lewis landed his 164 to deliver a final parting blow to the Dutchman.
Klaasen never looked like following his compatriot out of the tournament during his whirlwind victory over Cullen.
The former Lakeside champion pocketed the first set in around five minutes, while 'The Cobra' spat out more 180s during a brilliant 12-darter, which doubled his lead.
Klaasen remained deadly at the doubles, despite his ferocious pace, and sent out a warning with his comprehensive win over Cullen.
In the opening match of the night, Andrew Gilding claimed a 3-0 win over Gerwyn Price, that included a 132 checkout, featuring a bull, bull, double 16 combination.
Dutchman Benito van de Pas also booked his place in the next stage after a 3-1 win over Germany's Max Hopp.
Watch day eight of the World Darts Championship on Boxing Day from 6pm on Sky Sports 2.
