Gurney sees off debutant Evans to set up second round tie with Brown

Gurney despite that though won through 10-7 with the highlight being his scoring which saw the former World Grand Prix champion hit nine 180's.

To begin the tie, Gurney claimed the first two legs with ease and looked good in the opening few legs of the contest. Evans though came back to make it 2-2 with 'Superchin' fluffing his lines to allow the Kettering ace back in.

Despite that though, Gurney recovered to go into the interval 3-2 ahead with a 96.7 average at this point. He began to command proceedings when they returned from the interval taking a break of throw to go 6-3 up.

From there at the second interval, Gurney was only three legs away from the win as he went 7-3 up only allowing Evans five darts at double up to this point; three of which 'Rapid' hit.

He edged closer to victory with a 116 checkout an a 12 darter at 8-4 meaning he was only two away. Evans though came back to take out 85 on the bull to trail 8-6 to ask the question of Gurney.

'Rapid' extended his run to three straight legs to go within one of Gurney but couldn't break throw so 'Superchin' went one away. He sealed the deal to edge out the debuting Evans.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the prize money breakdown, schedule and format.

First Round
Jonny Clayton (94.69) 4-10 (101.05) Keegan Brown
Simon Whitlock (94.99) 10-8 (101.33) John Henderson
Daryl Gurney (96.34) 10-7 (89.33) Ricky Evans
22:20 Peter Wright v Vincent van der Voort

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