Jamie Lewis edges past Neyens to set up Clayton clash

There will be an all-Welsh tie at the PDC World Championship this afternoon after Jamie Lewis squeezed past Kenny Neyens of Belgium in the preliminary round. The 2-1 scoreline reflected the closeness of a game lacking in big averages, but well stocked with both drama and 180s.
It was Neyens who left the traps like a thoroughbred greyhound, piling in a pair of 180s on the way to taking the opening leg. Lewis was punished for a slow start by the effusive Belgian, who took the second leg and looked to steal the set. But, with Neyens waiting on an attainable finish after a third maximum, Lewis showed his class with a clutch 147 checkout. It sparked a revival from the Welshman, who then took the second leg. Then, despite Neyens opening the fifth leg with another 180, it was Lewis who held his nerve to claim the first set.
But Neyens was not finished, though Lewis had the chance. Double 16 was what the PDPA qualifier needed to seal the match and a tie with Welsh compatriot Jonny Clayton, but it was not forthcoming. Neyens pounced, and set up a final set. Scoring was becoming a bit of a problem for the Central European qualifier, however, and Lewis established a two-leg lead. In the third, Neyens opened with a 180, but Lewis topped that with six perfect darts. Number seven dropped well below the treble bed, but the damage was done. Despite Neyens' outstanding 171 to set up a double, Lewis hit double eight to progress with a superb ten-dart leg.
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