PDC World Championship: Simon Whitlock beaten by Darren Webster; Gary Anderson through
Sunday 21 December 2014 14:54, UK
Simon Whitlock became the latest big name casualty to bow out of the World Championship after losing to Darren Webster.
Meanwhile, Gary Anderson struggled for form, but still managed to come through a stern test against preliminary winner Scott Kirchner, while there were impressive wins for Terry Jenkins and Kyle Anderson at Alexandra Palace.
Whitlock, who has lost in the finals of the PDC and BDO championships, was suffering from nerves early on while unseeded Norfolk thrower Webster grew in confidence and celebrated a 3-1 victory in style.
The 48-year-old nailed 118 and 120 finishes on his way to winning the opening set before 'The Wizard' struck back in the next.
However, two more ton-plus finishes of 138 and 101 from Webster put him ahead and his duly wrapped up a famous win against the seventh seed.
Webster, who has qualified at Alexandra Palace for the fifth time, will play Dean Winstanley or Wayne Jones in the second round.
After beating Whitlock, Webster told Sky Sports Darts: "I've been practising my doubles for the last three weeks. That's what's usually let me down in the past but I got a couple of ton-plus finishes there and Simon wasn't on his game.
"I was determined to win one for a change, so I'm so happy."
Webster, who averaged just over 94 added: "I've been trying to calm down but I'm so happy to win one this year. I'm getting there and so relieved to win one."
Whitlock became the seventh seed to fall in the space of three days and five-time World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said: "He never settled at all. Simon Whitlock played so poor. Webster completely outplayed the number seven seed.
"At one point I thought 'he's not even acting like Simon Whitlock'. He wasn't at the races. Hopefully he'll be back to his best soon. His performances all year have been poor."
Flying Scotsman through
In the night's other matches, 'The Flying Scotsman' Gary Anderson struggled to overcome Scott Kirchner 3-1.
American Kirchner had earlier overcome New Zealander Mark McGrath to earn his first-round encounter against number four seed and 2011 finalist Anderson.
The Flying Scotsman, who beat Adrian Lewis to win the Players Championship last month, did not look like his usual relaxed self early on and was noticeably agitated by Kirchner's slow throwing action as he stumbled over the finishing line.
He will next meet former BDO champion Jelle Klaasen in a mouthwatering second-round clash.
Nine-time major finalist Terry Jenkins averaged 97.33 to beat John Weber 3-1 and move into the next round.
'The Bull' will play Derby-born Australian Loz Ryder after he ousted Justin Pipe in his first round match.
Jenkins, a semi-finalist in 2011, hit five 180's and was happy with his overall display: "I didn't know what to expect, I've never played that chap before. I got off to a good start and then made hard work of it."
The 1995 World Championship runner-up Rod Harrington felt that Jenkins' performance was one of the best of the tournament so far.
He said: "That's as good a performance as we've seen. The only mistake he made was three darts missed at the double in that second set.
"Great scoring on the doubles and 16 140's which he's very good at."
And on the potential third-round showdown with Michael van Gerwen, Harrington said: "He's already beaten Michael at a major event this year. He doesn't fear anybody. Every top quality darts player knows what a top player he is. He's got lots of bottle and he's not scared of anybody.
"He plays his own game and so many times he knows how to get to a major final. He's just got to get over that final hurdle and win one."
Anderson revenge
Kyle Anderson, who is remembered for his brilliant nine-dart finish at the same venue this time last year, swept past 'The Bronzed Adonis' Steve Beaton 3-0 to ease through.
Two years after losing 3-0 to 1996 BDO world champion Beaton, Anderson was back on the big stage to gain revenge against his opponent by the same scoreline to set up a meeting against Andy Hamilton.
Anderson managed three 180s during the match, and the 27-year-old Australian wrapped up victory with a double five.
He was delighted with his win and is looking forward to taking on Hamilton next: "I'm feeling brilliant," he said.
"Two years of hard work, doing what I do and I didn't play as well as I can but I did okay. I hit my doubles. At the start I was really nervous and I don't know why. I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking on Andy Hamilton."
Meanwhile, Mardle said: "It was impressive because both players started so slowly. Kyle got better and better. He just got on with his game."
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