Adams was poor to begin the tie but when it looked like a 2-0 deficit was likely, he produced a 180 to leave 46 which he pinned to break back at 1-1. He took the lead on double 20 to hold and a break followed for a 3-1 lead.
Double eight saw him consolidate as he went into a 4-1 lead but with a superb 180, Anderson headed into the interval only 4-2 down. On return, Adams produced an 11-darter for a 96 checkout to break as he headed 6-2 up.
He went 7-2 from there and following that, he went six darts into a nine-dart finish before finally pinning double five to seal it.
While for Ashton, it was a second win of the day after taking out Paul Hogan, it was the inaugural PDC World Matchplay winner, Larry Butler who was grounded by 'The Lancashire Rose' in an 8-4 win with an 80 average.
Ashton broke in the opening leg and followed it up with a 180 and double nine to hold and go 2-0 up. Butler fought back breaking Ashton’s throw to make it 2-2 but Ashton fought back with 180, 140 and finished it off on double eight to go 3-2 up.
Both had missed a smattering of doubles going into the interval but Ashton was halfway to the Quarter-Finals at 4-2 up. On return, Ashton won two legs on the spin including another break on double 16 to go 6-2 up but Butler broke throw to make it 6-4 to attempt to halt Ashton’s progression and stop the rot.
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Only for Ashton to break back and go one away at 7-4 up with a 70 checkout. Having the throw to win it, she hit 76 to leave 36 pinning it first time for the win.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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