De Decker discusses Beaton-Sherrock World Darts Championship tie: "He will be able to cope with the booing"

Mike de Decker defied a nine-dart finish from Darius Labanauskas to move through to the second round at the PDC World Darts Championship where next up Dave Chisnall will await.

De Decker was glad to take his opportunity to face Labanauskas after previously not being in the tournament.

"I'm buzzing. Until two weeks ago, I wasn't even in it. Now I won my first game so I'm over the moon," said De Decker post match.

"I was jumping at home and my girlfriend asked what are you doing so I was really happy. You don't want anyone to drop out because everyone earned their spot but in the time we live in now with Covid and restrictions to travel, there was a big chance."

He also admitted to issues taking his floor game to the stage and also spoke about Fallon Sherrock's chances tomorrow night against Steve Beaton.

"I know my game on the floor has been decent the last two years, decent to very good. I know that I have problems with bringing my floor game to the stage so I knew on the Grand Slam after the first one and then the hype around Fallon, she's playing brilliant, everyone loves her.

"The crowd is behind her and then playing my second or third major in my career playing her and the way she started off was brilliant. It was not difficult to put that aside me but still you're thinking about the stage."

"I think Steve has a lot more experience than I do because it's his 31st Worlds so he will be able to cope with the booing because you know it's going to happen. So he's experienced enough to block that out and play his own game."