Durrant defeats Gurney in scrappy tie to reach Last 16 on PDC World Championship debut

Glen Durrant is through to the Last 16 on debut at the 2020 PDC World Championship after coming through a scrappy affair against Daryl Gurney.

Durrant saw off Gurney 4-2 and hit a 98 average and four ton-plus checkouts en route; including a crucial 109 checkout; which saw him well on his way to victory. He could get his desired derby against Chris Dobey in the Last 16.

It went with throw for the first few legs; but after Gurney missed one dart at double 16, Durrant punished with double eight for a 2-1 lead.

Gurney missed darts at double eight to break back and Durrant took the set 3-1 from there. Gurney despite that was back from there to make it a match; that was set to go the full distance. He restored parity claiming the set 3-1; in what was a close match up to press.

Gurney couldn't produce the 108 outshot; but Durrant did all the hard work not to hit the bull for a 167 and this allowed 'Superchin' another reprieve.

Despite that Durrant held his throw to send it all the way and an 86 checkout; saw the three time Lakeside World Champion take it.

Gurney though was brilliant as he went two legs up with a 70 checkout and went one away from levelling it up. A 102 checkout saw Durrant hold throw.

Durrant left himself on 136 against the throw and this gave Gurney the opportunity at 127 which he spurned. Durrant couldn't punish with a 78 checkout; but neither could Gurney down on 31, it was down at five darts missed for Durrant as Gurney made it 2-2 in sets.

Gurney couldn't hold throw with a 60 checkout and Durrant punished with a 50 checkout to break. A 108 checkout made it his third ton plus finish; as he went 2-0 up and one away from potentially wrestling away control from Gurney.

Durrant went for the 142 but strayed into the one instead of treble 20, this was punished by Gurney who held throw on double 16.

Durrant missed double 16 for a 128 and this was punished by Gurney who hit an 87 checkout on the bull. A 62 checkout saw Durrant take a 3-2 set lead; with it on his throw, the advantage was with Duzza.

Durrant went 1-0 up in the requisite set; as he streaked towards the finishing line. Gurney couldn't finish on 62; but Durrant was well back anyway.

Durrant took out 109 to break and level and go one away from the match. Gurney was well back; this allowed Durrant three clear darts at 32 for the victory which he converted.

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

Friday December 27, afternoon session (12:30 GMT start)

Simon Whitlock (90.94) 4-1 (89.51) Mervyn King
Daryl Gurney (96.84) 2-4 (97.94) Glen Durrant
15:00 Fallon Sherrock vs Chris Dobey

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