Steve West hailed a "brilliant" win over Benito van de Pas as the world number 37 ended a long-standing World Championship hoodoo. West had lost in the first round of all of his seven previous World Championship appearances, including five defeats at the Lakeside. But a 3-1 success over the big Dutchman sealed a second round meeting with Joe Cullen or Jermaine Wattimena.
It was especially relieving for West to cross the line after last year's defeat to Mervyn King, in which King's remarkable 136 checkout sparked a comeback which left West devastated.
"It's brilliant", said West. "Last year I was 2-0 up and threw it away. Fair play to Merv - he took out some big shots, but I still lost it, and to get over it this year is a massive turning point for me."
West was 2-0 up in sets and needed tops to finish the match, but van de Pas struck with a 124 checkout to steal the set. The Essex thrower refused to be unnerved by the very familiar blow, however.
"Last year I would have thought about it more, but this time I just thought 'it's one shot'.
"I'm a different player and a different person this year - I think different, I play differently, and that worked in my favour."
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/942055104651452416
It was especially relieving for West to cross the line after last year's defeat to Mervyn King, in which King's remarkable 136 checkout sparked a comeback which left West devastated.
"It's brilliant", said West. "Last year I was 2-0 up and threw it away. Fair play to Merv - he took out some big shots, but I still lost it, and to get over it this year is a massive turning point for me."
West was 2-0 up in sets and needed tops to finish the match, but van de Pas struck with a 124 checkout to steal the set. The Essex thrower refused to be unnerved by the very familiar blow, however.
"Last year I would have thought about it more, but this time I just thought 'it's one shot'.
"I'm a different player and a different person this year - I think different, I play differently, and that worked in my favour."
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/942055104651452416
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- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024