Steve Lennon is safely into the second round of the PDC World Championship.
The Irish ace made sure the Emerald Isle would have two representatives from south of the border in the second round. He beat Australia's James Bailey in straight sets to win on the Ally Pally stage for the first time. Lennon told Darts News that relief was the main emotion emanating from a maiden PDC World Championship success.
"I'm really relieved - just quite glad to get through," he said.
"I was a bit nervy this year, because I was the favourite, I didn't know much about my opponent so I kind of had a bit of an edgy start.
"I relaxed a bit too much on doubles and should've played my own game."
"I'm really relieved - just quite glad to get through," he said.
"I was a bit nervy this year, because I was the favourite, I didn't know much about my opponent so I kind of had a bit of an edgy start.
"I relaxed a bit too much on doubles and should've played my own game."
Progress
Lennon was pleased to hear that his victory had seen him move into the top 32 in the provisional PDC Order of Merit.
"That's good to know. It's good progress," he said.
"I feel I'm getting more confidence on stage now. If I could just reproduce my floor game on stage, I'd be really happy."
"That's good to know. It's good progress," he said.
"I feel I'm getting more confidence on stage now. If I could just reproduce my floor game on stage, I'd be really happy."
Opportunity
The 25-year-old faces 25th seed Alan Norris in round two. It presents a major opportunity for Lennon. Norris has endured a rotten 2018 season. The Irishman doesn't buy into the idea that his English foe is a pushover, however.
"He hasn't had the best of seasons. But you still have to prepare for the best," he warned.
"He's obviously going to be playing on top form - I have to expect that, and try to do my own thing."
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
https://twitter.com/livedarts/status/1075129796944912384?fbclid=IwAR06t0F4TU4PPH-00dS8si5W5xsJNvyuVZoidx2ZI835KqNgo5eN_SckPAw
"He hasn't had the best of seasons. But you still have to prepare for the best," he warned.
"He's obviously going to be playing on top form - I have to expect that, and try to do my own thing."
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
https://twitter.com/livedarts/status/1075129796944912384?fbclid=IwAR06t0F4TU4PPH-00dS8si5W5xsJNvyuVZoidx2ZI835KqNgo5eN_SckPAw
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