Van Barneveld's first round run continues

Raymond van Barneveld's astonishing record in the first round of the World Championships has continued. The Dutchman defeated debutant Richard North in straight sets.
Barney has not dropped a set in the first round since his shock loss to James Richardson in 2011. To put that into context, the 5-time World Champion has won 15 straight sets in the first round.
You'd have been forgiven for believing that may have changed this evening. North has had a solid debut year on the Pro tour and represented a potential banana skin for van Barneveld, but the great man prevailed in convincing fashion.
It was a perfect start for Barney, sealing the first set 3-0. The Dutchman was clinical enough to not afford North a dart at a double in any of the legs, that despite a 180 in the opener. The Englishman would have thrown well to get a dart at a finish in the 3rd leg. Barney clinching the set with a 12 darter.
North got a leg on the board to open the second set, holding his throw in a steady 16. Back to back 15 darters saw Barney back in the ascendancy, before securing the set 3-1. North throwing 2 180's in the fourth leg, yet still failing to level the set. Missing 3 darts from 8 remaining the nail in the coffin.
North put up more of a fight in what turned out to be the final set. all 5 legs went on throw in this one. Unfortunately for the Englishman it was in a set that Van Barneveld had the darts. All 3 of his holds coming in 5 visits to the board.
Barney will return to Ally Pally on Saturday for his second round match. He'll face Auckland darts master Kyle Anderson in what could be the tie of the round.
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