𝘿𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙐𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙎 Darius Labanauskas sets up a tasty second round clash with Simon Whitlock after a whitewash victory over Chengan Liu! 📺 Up next 👉 Wayne Jones v Ciaran Teehan
Darts was booming in hometown Labanauskas after reaching Quarter-Finals at World Championship last year
PDCSaturday, 19 December 2020 at 09:00
Darius Labanauskas is looking forward to facing Simon Whitlock in the last 64 of the World Championship after booking a date with the ‘The Wizard’ by overcoming Chinese player, Chengan Liu in his opening match.
Reflecting on his opening performance he said: “I am happy with my performance on the opening game. It’s the first game which means it’s a special game, at a special event. I think I was in control of the game and when I stopped missing a few doubles, I really pressed on and played well.”
After fans receiving news that they wouldn’t be allowed in attendance at the Alexandra Palace following updated government guidelines, so players may have fallen victim to this.
Labanauskas said: “It’s a big arena and we are always ready to play with fans so to not have them, it’s a big difference. The silence isn’t good, especially at this special occasion for darts. A lot of players are affected by there being no fans here so it’s strange but I think we can work around it.”
The Lithuanian will now face Australian, Simon Whitlock in round two of the World Championships. Whitlock having established himself as one of the world’s best over the past 12 months and Labanauskas knows he has a challenge on his hands.
“I am looking forward to the challenge. I can now focus on it. Simon is a very good player, he also has good experience on the stage so there will be less pressure for him compared to others.
“He’s been a great player for a long time so I will have to try and find moments where I can better him and hopefully things can go my way.”
After reaching the quarter-finals of the World Championship just a year ago, Labanauskas pointed out how far the sport has come in his hometown ever since.
“Darts has really grown in Lithuania. I get a lot of messages from people asking which board they should buy, which darts they should buy from the people there. Before, there would be eight or ten people practising in my local bar where I live, now there is 28 or 32. It’s become huge.
“I think next year, there will be more players from Lithuania who will get the option to go to Q-school and try and qualify for tournaments.”
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