The PDC World Championships have kicked off at Alexandra Palace, with Michael Van Gerwen waltzing into the second round with a comfortable win over Christian Kist.
There was some Irish interest last night, too, with Limerick's Willie O'Connor in action against Steve Beaton in his first appearance at the Championships. It was to be a frustrating night for the Irishman, spurning a host of chances to eventually lose 3-1.
He missed a number of doubles chances, and ceded the first set to his veteran opponent. He then lost the second set before winning back the third, but eventually succumbed in the fourth, to lose 3-1.
That said, O'Connor did offer tantalising glimpses of his nerve, with this high-pressure checkout in that final set, as he stared defeat in the face, proof of that. Unfortunately, subsequent events would render it moot, but this 115 checkout was impressive nonetheless.
INCREDIBLE | O'Connor hits 115 to save his skin!#WHDarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/DWvjdsfAj5
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 14, 2017
