GURNEY WINS A THRILLER! Daryl Gurney avenges his 2019 semi-final defeat to Rob Cross as he comes through the first tie-break of the tournament! 📺 bit.ly/WM23Live | #WMDarts R1
Gurney survives Cross comeback to win epic tiebreak at the World Matchplay
PDCSaturday, 15 July 2023 at 22:20
Daryl Gurney is through to the second round of the 2023 World Matchplay thanks to a 12-10 victory over Rob Cross in the first match to need extra legs at this year's event.
In the second match of the opening session at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Daryl Gurney faced off against the 2019 World Matchplay champion, Rob Cross. 'Voltage' has never failed to win a first-round game at this tournament, but Gurney was keen to prove he wasn't a spent force in the world of darts and took the opening leg with a break of throw.
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Despite starting the second leg with a score of 15, Gurney recovered well and thanks to pinning double 12 first dart moved two ahead. After Cross missed tops for a 120 finish in the third, Gurney fired in a 110 checkout to punish. Another ton-plus checkout (111) in the next leg and 'Superchin' was four legs clear. Cross ensured it wouldn't be a whitewash first session, taking out 96 as the players headed off for the interval at 4-1.
An ice-cold 72 with Gurney sat on a double then saw Cross take the first leg after the break to get back into touch. Gurney, looking as good as has done in a long while went six darts into a perfect leg in the seventh. Although he couldn't strike perfection, he did move 5-2 ahead. After both players exchanged breaks of throw, it was Cross that took the final leg of the session, trailing 6-4 at the second break.
Taking his average up above the 100 mark, Cross took the first two legs of the session, getting back on level terms. Gurney stopped the rot in leg 15 though, breaking the throw and getting back in front at 7-6. Breaking back in style, Cross reeled in the big fish, a 170 checkout to level back up, celebrating with a big roar as well.
Cross then missed the bull to lead for the first time in the match and Gurney made him pay, taking out double 18 last dart in hand. Had that broken the spirit of the former world champion? Cross offered nothing in the 18th leg, as Gurney moved a leg away from the win. Keeping himself alive though, Cross took out a nerveless 56 to get back to 9-8 and then sent the match to a tiebreak courtesy of double 16.
Having not led in the entire match, Cross took to the front for the first time at 10-9 and move a leg away from a famous comeback win. It was Gurney's turn to scrap to stay in the match and he thanks to a two-dart 64 checkout he levelled up. With another ruthless finish, this time 96, Gurney was back to one away and this time he managed to close out the victory.
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- Gingers....I guess these Gingers have something about ugly fatties......richieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- A shill..... People are so naive, where is this supposed grandad etc etc etcrichieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- Barney should completely stop playing darts, his legacy has long long gone. Maybe the new wife insists on an expensive lifestyle, if so, take up commentating or presenting. Forget playing.richieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- Assume the meat and eggs are cooked in the butter? Ketogenic diet seems to work if you’re well overweight though need to keep an eye on cholesterol. Add some fish like salmon.Mysstree21-12-2024
- Just curious, why clearly a plant?Matilda6220-12-2024
- Kris...whatever is name is, is clearly a plant. Completely bogus.richieburnettrocks20-12-2024
- Pay a sizeable chunk off the mortgage for sure and buy Grandad something nice for Christmas.Mysstree19-12-2024
- No chance. His throw is all staccato. It is forced. Not natural.medinabello19-12-2024
- More roid rage than nonsenserichieburnettrocks18-12-2024
- Even the wild crowd went easy on him... we really have gone soft in this country. He should now play in the men's events and try and recover a smidgen of respect, rather than take advantage of the women's game.MrYnyslas197118-12-2024