Carlow's Steve Lennon was knocked out of the World Darts Championship this afternoon, losing 3-1 in sets to world no. 9 Johnny Clayton.
It was a poor quality second round match at the Ally Pally, with both players averaging below 90, while spurning numerous opportunities to take games.
Steve Lennon Struggles At World Darts Championship
Lennon did manage to take the first set, although was unable to capitalise on the momentum as his game began to fall apart.
Clayton's throwing at double was poor and not reflective of his ranking and stature within the game, but it mattered not with Lennon missing a remarkable 34 shots at double, including six to take the third set and a 2-1 lead.
READ HERE: Carlow Man Considered 'Pulling Out' Of World Darts Championship
🗣️ "Who cares, I'm through!"
Jonny 'The Ferret' Clayton weasels his way into Round 3 🏴 pic.twitter.com/RVMd1GBz63
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 23, 2023
CLAYTON TAKES THE LEAD!
It's becoming a missed double-a-thon here, but Jonny Clayton won't care as he takes a 2-1 lead!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R2 pic.twitter.com/Abx3DQ4HXN
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 23, 2023
A story of missed doubles as Jonny Clayton beats Steve Lennon 📖
Lennon missed a staggering 34 darts at double 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ktfEMgKlUn
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 23, 2023
Clayton cut an animated figure at the end of the match and did not seem to be too worried about his poor showing, clearly overjoyed at advancing to the third round.
"The first set I threw that away, but to be fair to Steve he missed so many doubles to let me win, to let me win games," Clayton said.
"But who cares? I'm through. He gave me a chance and I took them. So yeah, I'm a happy man.
"Usually my outer ring is the best thing about my game .... I'm struggling a bit there.
"I gotta sort that out. So hopefully next game it'll be sorted."
He will now face Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski in the next round.
