ROBERT THORNTON 3 – 1 Ian White
Robert Thornton set up a second round clash with Adrian Lewis with a well earned 3-1 victory over Ian White.
The world number 31 put in a solid performance to win his first round match in the Ladbrokes World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The first two legs went with the throw and Thornton ensured that pattern continued when he took out 101 to win the third. White hit double four to level before Thornton hit double 19 to take the first set.
The Scotsman scored his first maximum in the second leg of set two but his throw was broken by White, who had produced an eleven darter in the previous leg. The Thorn then broke back in style, hitting double 18 after setting it up with a 134, but White won against the throw again to win the set.
Thornton hit double seven to edge in front in the third set but just missed the bull for a break of throw as White drew level once more. The former World Masters winner started the next leg with five perfect darts and hit double top to go back in front. His opponent won the next leg to take the set to a decider, which The Thorn went on to win after hitting his third 180 of the match.
His fourth maximum followed in the opening leg of set four but White just found the corner of double top to take it. It was Englishman who got the next break, taking out sixty to go two legs up. Thornton charged back though. He fired in another 180 and then hit an 86 checkout to break straight back. He then held his own throw to leave himself a leg from progression. The Scotsman completed the turn around in the set by hitting the bull to book himself a place in round two.
Thornton faces defending World Champion Lewis on Thursday December 22nd.
By Chris Murphy
