Aspinall avoids Murnan scare to seal thrilling victory at PDC World Darts Championship

Nathan Aspinall is through to the Third Round at the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship after seeing off Joe Murnan in a 3-2 victory.

Aspinall twice came from a set behind and survived a match dart from Murnan as he came through a real scare in moving through.

Murnan recovered from 2-1 down to snatch the opening set in the tie after Aspinall had squandered four set darts. But in the second, Aspinall made no mistake, he produced a stunning 145 checkout en route to sewing it up 3-1 to restore parity and give himself the impetus. 

But this swung the way of Murnan again who was on 55% of doubles as he claimed the third set 3-1 to claim the lead again. He was clinical to begin the fourth with an 81 checkout seeing him take a big break of throw as he aimed to head towards the finishing line. But Aspinall recovered from 2-0 down and survived a match dart to force a decider. 

Murnan claimed the lead to begin the final set but Aspinall converted to break throw on double eight and he went one away from the win which he sealed with an 80 checkout.