Tipperary native Dylan Slevin has fallen to a first round defeat at the World Darts Championship, but the 21-year old certainly made his mark at the tournament despite losing 3-1 to Germany's Florian Hempel.
Borrisokane's Slevin was in top form before a dart was even thrown on stage, with his walk-on music really getting the crowd going.
🤪🤪 nights! pic.twitter.com/pG3lvxV5cM
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 17, 2023
As many have pointed out, this song was previously used by Englishman Wes Newton on the PDC tour.
READ HERE: Michael Smith Calls Out Keyboard Warriors For Odd Reason After Second Round Win
Tipperary's Dylan Slevin lights up Ally Pally
Sitting over 30 places behind his opponent in the world rankings, it was clear that he entered this game as an underdog. However, his play in the early portion of the match was not befitting of that title.
Slevin would play some magical darts at times. Having raced into a 1-0 lead in sets, he would then nail a 167 finish to open the second set.
SLEVIN STRIKES FIRST!
Edgy start from both players, but Dylan Slevin converts a classy 77 checkout to clinch the opening set against a struggling Florian Hempel!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/lFUf7sQXAG— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2023
SENSATIONAL FROM SLEVIN! 💥
Dylan Slevin produces a moment of magic to send the Ally Pally crowd wild!
The young Irishman produces a stunning 167 finish - the highest checkout of the tournament so far - to draw first blood in set two!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/vI9VSPZsuj— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2023
He would ultimately miss a shot at a double to win that second set, something that proved to be costly in the match.
Slevin would then miss a dart at bull to win the third set, meaning he will be left rueing missed opportunities in the days to come.
Despite having a three-dart average of over 90, he would eventually fall to a 3-1 defeat. In the end, those missed doubles proved to be the difference.
HEMPEL SINKS SLEVIN! 🇩🇪
Florian Hempel recovers from a sluggish start to see off Dylan Slevin and move through to round two at Ally Pally!
The German will renew his rivalry with Dimitri Van den Bergh in a fascinating second round tie!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/nSDNBNz8iw— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2023
Having only taken up darts as a 15-year old, the Tipperary man has made remarkable progress in recent years. Considering this was his debut at the World Championships, you have to be excited of what could be to come from him in the future.
You certainly get the sense there is more to come from him on this stage.
SEE ALSO: Keane Barry Overcomes Painful Slow Play Tactics To Seal Van Gerwen Battle
