Keane Barry has qualified for the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship. The 21-year-old Irishman did not have an easy time against Filipino Reynaldo Rivera but still won 3-1.
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Barry was below his normal level throughout the game, only managing an 87 average. "It was just one of them where I didn't get into my own game and into my own rhythm," he opened in his post-match press conference. "It was a scrappy game but the main thing is I'm into the next round."
The difference is pace between the two players was clear, with the more methodical Rivera not allowing Barry to flow. "It's tough, especially on a big stage as well which makes it a little bit harder but I just stuck to the task and grounded it out. You need to win these games and I'm just happy to win."
Barry very surprisingly went out in the opening round last year against South African Grant Sampson. Thankfully for him, a similar upset was avoided this time around. "Everyone here is capable," Barry insists. "I think he's a better player than he showed up there tonight. You could see glimpses of it but luckily for me he just wasn't as consistent."
In the next round, Barry will take on Michael van Gerwen. "The game will suit me more. There's no pressure on me so I'm just going to go upnand enjoy myself. I know I'm capable of winning. I'll need to play a lot better than that though."
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.