Pure Klaas at the Pally
Jelle Klaasen produced a darting masterclass to see off fellow Dutchman Jan van der Rassel at Alexandra Palace.
Last Updated: 29/12/08 11:37am
Jelle Klaasen produced a darting masterclass to see off fellow Dutchman Jan van der Rassel at Alexandra Palace.
The former BDO world champion dropped just four legs as he advanced to the last 16 and he has yet to drop a set after his 4-0 demolition of Colin Lloyd in his opener.
Van der Rassel actually led 2-1 in the opening set after taking the third leg with a 12-darter, but Klaasen hit straight back with an 11-darter, then took out 80 to win the set.
The second set also went to a fifth leg but Klaasen claimed it after hitting his fifth maximum and then nervelessly taking out a 64 finish.
That seemed to knock the stuffing out of Van de Rassel and Klaasen raced through the next two sets, completing his victory with a superb 12-dart leg.
He will face Andy Hamilton in the third round.
Barney
In the evening's second match, former champion Raymond van Barneveld marched into the last 16 with a 4-1 victory over Wes Newton.
The Dutchman averaged nearly 103 as Newton paid for some missed doubles, although that could hardly be blamed for his defeat.
Van Barneveld set the tone by winning the opening leg in 13 darts and went on to take the set 3-1.
Legs of 12 and 13 darts quickly helped make that 2-0, although Newton did hit back in the next, a fine 102 checkout earning him the set.
But Van Barneveld quickly responded, racing through the fourth set 3-0.
Set five started with both men exchanging 13-dart legs, but Van Barneveld held his own throw, then sealed the match with a double eight to set up a third round clash with Ronnie Baxter.
King goes through
In the final match of the session, Mervyn King came back from 2-1 down to beat Mark Walsh 4-2 to seal his third-round place.
Norfolk thrower King hit his best form after losing the third set, allowing Walshies to win just three more legs in the remaining three sets.
Walsh enjoyed a slightly better average as he scored consistently well, but missed doubles at crucial times cost him dear.
A two-time beaten world finalist at the Lakeside, King has the big-game experience and made that count in the latter stages.
"Mark had a good start, but when I fell behind I did what I needed to do, took one leg at a time and clawed back into it," said King.
"If I can take my practice game onto stage then anything can happen in the next round."
King takes on a resurgent Dennis Smith for a place in the quarter-finals.