Alexander Merkx sweeps aside Stephen Burton in three sets on World Championship debut

Alexander Merkx has advanced to the second round at the World Darts Championship at the expense of Stephen Burton. Thanks to a 3-0 victory, he gets to take on Chris Dobey in the second round.

Despite the ample-looking victory, Merkx's play was anything but flawless. His average was disappointing at 78.41, but Burton's average was even worse at 75.63.

In the first set Merkx took a 2-1 lead with a 22-darter, after which the Dutchman secured the set with an 18-darter. 'Alexander The Great' then started the second set well with a 14-darter, and even made it 2-0 with a 13-darter. A lesser leg followed, allowing Burton to connect to 1-2 with a 16-darter.

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Merkx was then able to win the set in his own leg, but missed six set arrows. Burton could not take advantage and missed four chances to force a fifth leg. Merkx's seventh chance to win the second set then proved to be a hit.

Burton managed to break immediately at the start of the third set, but he also lost his throw. With a 22-darter, Merkx brought the score to 1-1. After that a 20-darter was enough to see him within one leg of victory. Burton made it 2-2 with a double 10, but Merkx took the win with a 20-darter.