Ireland have won their opening match of the 2023 PDC Darts World Cup, with a 4-1 win over Thailand in Group E.
Eighth ranked Ireland, whose two man team is made up of Willie O'Connor and Keane Barry, averaged 84.31 to Thailand's 76.17.
The game was not without controversy, however, with O'Connor visibly unhappy at Thanawat "Yong" Gaweenuntawong, after the Thai player backed into O'Connor while still on his throw.
As the commentators pointed out, this was the second time in the match that Yong had bumped into O'Connor. Although, despite the head shake from the Irishman, it did not affect his game as he stepped up to the oche and took out double twelve with his first dart to give Ireland a 3-1 lead.
Ireland's final group game takes place this evening, where they will face Croatia and hopefully secure a spot in the second round.
Willie O'Connor Unhappy At The Darts
📺 VAR: Checking possible foul...👊🤣 pic.twitter.com/cH9idER4oI
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 15, 2023
JOB DONE FOR IRELAND! 🇮🇪
World Cup veteran William O'Connor and debutant Keane Barry prove too strong for Thailand, running out 4-1 winners.
📺 https://t.co/HgMD2ZD0g1 | #WorldCupOfDarts | Group E pic.twitter.com/yfyximSUH5— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 15, 2023
READ HERE: Willie O'Connor Sweeps Teenage Sensation At The World Darts Championship
READ HERE: 'I Can't Spake!': Wayne Mardle Left Literally Speechless By Greatest Darts Leg Of All Time
Should Ireland progress, they will meet one of automatically qualified England, Scotland, Wales, or the Netherlands in the last-16 second round.
Australia's Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock are the reigning champions, and were also victorious in their first-round group stage match against Guyana.
Ireland have previously reached the final on one occasion, in 2019, were Willie O'Connor and Steve Lennon were defeated by Scotland's Gary Anderson and Peter Wright.
The Scottish once again make a formidable pair at this year's event, while England's team features World Champions Michael Smith and former World Champions Rob Cross.
Wales are also very strong with Gerwyn Price and Johnny Clayton, although the Netherlands are without darts' biggest draw, Michael van Gerwen.
SEE ALSO: 10 Football Managers Currently Coaching Unexpected International Sides
