Jamie Hughes struggles past David Cameron in game of missed opportunities for first Ally Pally win of his career

Kicking off the first Saturday night session of the 2024 World Darts Championship, Jamie Hughes has struggled past David Cameron 3-1 for his first ever victory on the Ally Pally stage.

For two players with a lot of experience, things were nervy in the early stages. In a nip-and-tuck opening set there wasn't much to separate either player however. With it 2-2 in the set, Cameron was unable to capitalise on the opportunity he had forged for himself, missing his chance to lead and Hughes punished to edge in front 1-0.

Set 2 followed a similar pattern. Although the averages weren't elite, both around the mid 80s, the tense nature of the contest was making for intriguing viewing. As the set went all the way once again, it was Hughes who was made to punish for a miss this time around. Unable to nail the bullseye for a spectacular 167, Cameron returned to pin double top and level up the match.

With Cameron holding throw to start the third set, Hughes responded in kind in the following leg with both players still unable to fully distance the other. A brilliant 89 checkout from Hughes in leg 3 however, saw the Englishman break throw but then he couldn't capitalise as Cameron broke straight back sending the set once again to a deciding leg. Both players had their chances in the decider, Cameron missing multiple darts for it, before Hughes fell over the line of double 8.

Again missed doubles played a part in the opening leg of the fourth set and again it was Hughes who benefitted to go one up. After yet more double trouble in the following leg, Hughes eventually pinned double 5 to go one leg away from the win. After Hughes had missed three for the match, Cameron had the chance to prolong the encounter but when he failed, 'Yozza' returned and this time he was successful, winning on the Ally Pally stage for the very first time.