Dekker survives comeback from Joyce to claim victory in sudden death thriller

Jan Dekker is through to the second round at the 2020 PDC World Championship but he had to survive a comeback from Ryan Joyce in doing so.

Joyce recovered from two sets down to force a decider but he missed four match darts to claim victory and this allowed Dekker to see off 'Relentless' in a deciding leg.

To begin the tie, Dekker ended up claiming the first set 3-1 in what was pretty low standard; with both averaging 81 but it was 60 percent on the doubles in the early going for the Dutchman.

He continued in this vein claiming an early break in the next set to hit the front and he once again claimed it 3-1; as it looked like he was romping towards victory. This was due to Joyce averaging around 77.5 with only 2/13 on the doubles.

'Relentless' started to finally motor but would it be too little too late as he claimed the next set 3-1 himself; including a 110 checkout to double his lead and the impetus was now on the former 'Mr Coat' to claim victory or be dragged into a final set.

Both players held throw to start the next set; with Joyce hitting double 12 to go 2-1 up and go towards levelling it up. What could Dekker do?

The answer is not much as Joyce went; he claimed back to back sets to claim the initiative and force a decider. It was first blood from the Newcastle ace as he hit 87 for a 15-darter to make it 1-0 but Dekker hit back and had the throw.

Joyce took the break though on double 18; he had the throw to claim the victory. A 96 checkout saw Dekker claim another break; as he pounced on poor match darts from Joyce.

Joyce missed another match dart and Dekker hit double 10 to claim the victory in a tight affair.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

PDC World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Thursday December 19, afternoon session

Justin Pipe (92.26) 3-2 (87.45) Benjamin Pratnemer (R1)

Ryan Joyce (84.22) 2-3 (84.65) Jan Dekker (R1)

John Henderson vs James Richardson (R2)

Steve Beaton vs Kyle Anderson (R2)

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