Brown edges past Clayton in hard-fought victory

Brown averaged 95.5 on his way to victory and the difference could have been on the checkouts with the Needle hitting four 100+. He will face either Daryl Gurney or Ricky Evans in the next round who face off later tonight.

Clayton started well taking out 101 for the opening leg but Brown hit back with a 148 checkout. Brown followed it up with a 75 finish to move 2-1 up but Clayton continued the trend of breaks with a 76 to make it 2-2.

At the interval it was 'The Ferret' who led the way at 3-2 with both playing hitting 100 percent on the doubles but a hold of throw put him ahead.

When they returned though, Brown smashed in another ton plus checkout in the form of a 134 to get back on level terms. At the second interval, there was nothing between them though with them at 5-5.

Clayton would have thought he had the match potentially sewn up with a break of throw to go 7-5 up but Brown broke back again to make it 7-6 in a competitive tie.

A brilliant 127 on the bull from the Isle of Wight ace brought him level once again. The pivotal moment came though with Brown hitting a 109 checkout with a break of throw to move him to the verge of victory. He finished it off to move through and continue his good form as of late.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the prize money breakdown, schedule and format.

First Round
Jonny Clayton (94.69) 4-10 (101.05) Keegan Brown
20:10 Simon Whitlock v John Henderson
21:10 Daryl Gurney v Ricky Evans
22:20 Peter Wright v Vincent van der Voort

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