Debutant Murray sets up Van Gerwen clash with victory over Ilagan

Ryan Murray is through to a second round clash with Michael van Gerwen after seeing off Lourence Ilagan in a 3-1 sets win in another debutant win at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Murray also known as 'Muzz Lightyear' will face Van Gerwen who he famously had two nine-darters in the same game hit against during a ProTour.

The Scot won through the opening set in a deciding leg opener with a high checkout of 116 to go 1-0 up. It was very much a game of missed doubles as Ilagan claimed the second set in consecutive legs to level it up.

It continued to be close with Ilagan missing one set dart at double 20 which would have likely given him the impetus and Murray cleaned up himself to claim the third set in a decider and reclaim the lead.

A timely break began the following set with Murray going 1-0 up. Ilagan missed the chance to break back and Murray went 2-0 up and one away.

A 180 and 60 checkout saw Ilagan hold and get back into it but a 180 of his own from Murray following by cleaning up double 10 having missed an initial chance to win saw him through.

2021 PDC World Darts Championship schedule

Thursday December 17

Afternoon Session (12:00 GMT)

Madars Razma (89.21) 3-0 (81.36) Toru Suzuki (R1) (3-2, 3-2, 3-2)

Mike De Decker (86.74) 0-3 (90.97) Edward Foulkes (R1) (0-3, 1-3, 2-3)

Ryan Murray (87.11) 3-1 (88.28) Lourence Ilagan (R1) (3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1)

Daryl Gurney v William O’Connor (R2)