Irishman Keane Barry battled his way into round two of the World Darts Championships on Saturday, winning 3-1, but it was not easy work.
There was high drama on day one, as defending champion Michael Smith narrowly avoided defeat against minnow Kevin Doets, and Barry will have been hoping for a far calmer run to victory as the strong favourite on Saturday night against Rivera.
As the game progressed, however, fans became increasingly frustrated with the antics of Keane Barry's opponent Reynoldo Rivera, who seemed to be methodically taking his time in an effort to slow the game down.
READ HERE: Live Darts: World Darts Championship Order Of Play
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World Darts Championship: Keane Barry's opponent criticised for incredibly slow pace
Keane Barry had a slow start to his first game of the World Darts Championship, as underdog Reynaldo Rivera took the first leg of the game to add a bit of tension at Alexandra Palace.
Barry ultimately settled to win games two, three, and four of the first set and take a 1-0 lead.
🎙️"What a dart! What a dart! And what a dart!"
Keane Barry takes the 1st set in style 🎯 pic.twitter.com/TMBuUrPgST— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 16, 2023
Throughout the first set, however, fans were perplexed by the pace of Rivera's play.
The Sky Sports commentators picked up on Rivera's pace early on, with Wayne Mardle saying: "He's not rushing for sure."
Mardle would spend much of the match commenting on how diligent Rivera was in taking his time before each shot and called for him to speed things up on more than one occasion.
When seen in the background as Rivera took his time over shots, Barry did not seem fazed by his opponent's antics - but fans on social media were less than happy with how long the Philippines player was taking between shots.
Me waiting for Rey Rivera to throw his darts #WorldDartsChampionship pic.twitter.com/fDMxU7F5S8
— SFC Deano (@DeanoC20) December 16, 2023
Can someone tell Rivera that it goes off at 11pm not AM #WorldDartsChampionship
— Harry (@Harry0AFC) December 16, 2023
Rivera tonight #WorldDartsChampionship pic.twitter.com/1LoJVohYMS
— david-samual (@laticssamuala) December 16, 2023
Me waiting for Rivera to throw his darts #WCDarts #WorldDartsChampionship pic.twitter.com/NpLq0bhvNp
— Dan 🔰❄️ (@Dee_Cee95x) December 16, 2023
Someone tell Rey Rivera I’ve got work Monday😴 #WorldDartsChampionship
— Jack Barton (@jackbart0n) December 16, 2023
Rivera son, you ain't down the pub. Get a sodding wiggle on this is boring!! #LoveTheDarts #WorldDartsChampionship
— Jay Allan ⚒️ (@Jayallanents) December 16, 2023
Barry took the second set as well, but Rivera battled back to take the third set.
Barry also had to overcome a rogue fly.
Duleek's Keane Barry overcame :
-the slowest darts player in the world
-a rogue fly
...and won 3-1. Up next is Michael van Gerwen 😲 pic.twitter.com/NV27y7rmBc— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 16, 2023
Rivera's slow play clearly addled Barry, while tacking all of the energy out of the usually boisterous Ally Pally. Though Barry eventually took the fourth set, this was far from a vintage performance and he'll need to bring a lot more ruthlessness to the stage next time around.
His second round opponent is #2 seed Michael Van Gerwen.
Speaking after the victory, Barry admitted it was a 'scrappy' victory but he says he's looking forward to the challenge of MVG.
"The game will suit me more. No pressure on me really. I'm just going to go up there and enjoy myself. I know I'm capable of winning. I need to play a lot better than I did out there. I'm not happy with how I played there. It's a win but obviously I'll have to play a lot better on Tuesday.
🗣️ "I'll need to be a lot better on Tuesday!"
Keane Barry looks ahead to a second round clash with Michael van Gerwen... pic.twitter.com/RujqsGYwIb— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 16, 2023
SEE ALSO: Michael Smith Calls Out Keyboard Warriors For Odd Reason After Second Round Win
