Young leads the way as USA ease past China, Canada edge out Italy in thrilling match

Young led from the front for USA as he often does with the side capitalising somewhat on missed doubles by China but they produce when it mattered to win through.
Then, Canada and Italy produced the game of the tournament so far; with both teams producing the goods in a game that was underplayed before hand. The Italians proved they belonged on the stage but it was the team of Murschell and Long who make it through.
To begin the first tie, Both teams shared throw in the early going with China in particular showing they weren't going to lie down; with a leg which saw late call-up Yuanjun Liu pinning double 16 after a 180 and 177.
It was Darin Young though for the USA who was the main catalyst for their play winning both legs to make it 2-1; with Chuck Puleo showing some nerves on his first big stage game in Hamburg.
'Big Daddy' capitalised on Xiaochen Zong missing darts to hold to break the throw and put them firmly ahead. Puleo started to play well; but the duo still missed five darts at double to hold, it was Young again though who finished it off to go one away.
He nearly produced an accidental showpiece shot with 104 by going T16, D16, D12; but they were given another chance with Liu missing three darts at double 12. Puleo produced when it counted as a result to send them into the next round.
In the next tie between Italy and Canada, the latter took the first leg; but Micheletti showed a sign of what was to come with a brilliant 116 checkout.
Both teams couldn't stop finding the treble 20; with all four players playing a part in a brilliant passage of play. It was Canada though who went 3-2 up with a 95 average for them compared to a 102 average for Italy.
Tomassetti began to take over from the brilliance of his partner; with him hitting a 15 darter to make it 3-3. Long started to find his form after some brilliant play from his partner and he put them one away.
It was the debutant who finished it off capitalising on missed darts from Micheletti; with double 10 to conclude an excellent display from both teams.
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Friday schedule (play starts 1800 BST)
China (76.06) 1-5 (79.21) USA
Italy (95.47) 3-5 (97.56) Canada
Poland v Czech Republic
Republic of Ireland v Greece
England v Philippines
Austria v Russia
Australia v Finland
Netherlands v Spain
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