Jason Heaver is through to a second round clash with Danny Noppert on debut at the 2021/22 PDC
World Darts Championship after seeing off Gordon Mathers in a 3-1 sets win.
Heaver hit an 83 average, two 180's and 42% on the doubles to take out Mathers who was a late replacement from Juan Rodriguez who couldn't take his place due to Covid-19.
Both exchanged opening holds with Heaver taking his with an 84 checkout on double 12. The Newbury ace went one away from the opening set with a break on double 20 which he claimed.
Mathers sealed an opening break of the second set as he looked to level up. An 85 checkout saw Heaver hit straight back to level up and with Mathers on 3/6, Heaver took a 2-0 lead.
The Aussie ace took the lead in the third set on double five going 2-1 up. But after missing darts for the set, Heaver levelled up on the madhouse to go one away from the win.
A timely 180 and double 14 for Mathers saw him pinch a set and Heaver was throwing looking for the win. Mathers missed darts to break and Heaver returned to take the lead.
A 96 checkout to break saw him go one away from finally closing it out. Heaver missed two match darts but returned to pin double 10 for the match.