Dynamite detonates! Keane Barry sees off Kim Huybrechts in Ally Pally 180 fest

Keane Barry has defeated Kim Huybrechts 3-1 in a 180 fest that featured 17 maximums at the Ally Pally, to set up a second round battle with Gerwyn Price at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

With 20 World Darts Championship appearances between them, there was plenty of Ally Pally experience on the stage for this one. That showed early doors as the pair confidently traded holds throws in the opening two legs with a notable lack of drama. Despite Huybrechts being on a double after nine darts in leg 3, the Belgian then squandered six on the outer ring with Barry punishing stylishly via a 112 checkout. Recovering well though, Huybrechts broke straight back to force a deciding leg in which he had the darts. Holding in that fifth leg, the first set went to the Belgian.

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Despite having 100% on the doubles in the opening set, Barry's scoring was letting him down. In the opening exchanges of set 2, the Irishman started to fire though to take the opener. Despite Barry firing in a max in the next leg, Huybrechts fired back two of his own en route to levelling up the set. With the pair exchanging holds of throw again, the second set followed the first and went all the way to a deciding leg. Barry had the darts this time and with a brilliant 108 finish got back to level terms.

Despite a few misses, Huybrechts nailed double 16 last dart in hand to get set 3 off and running. After Barry levelled up the set in leg 2, the Irishman then broke the throw in leg 3 to nudge in front. After Huybrechts wired the bull for a skin saving 170, Barry mopped up to take the set and move into a 2-1 lead.

As he held throw to open set 4, Barry was inching closer to the second round. Huybrechts wasn't done yet though, levelling up the set on the lesser spotted double 13. Despite Huybrechts pressuring with the 16th 180 of the match, Barry moved one away by nailing double 8 last dart in hand. In the next leg, Barry immediately secured that victory, setting up an encounter with Gerwyn Price.

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