Former Lakeside finalist Jim Williams is through to the 2nd round of the PDC World Darts Championship for the second consecutive year after a comeback victory over 19-year-old Sebastian Bialecki.
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After a slow start, both players grew into the game. "I really struggled with nerves today," Williams admitted. "I looked at the big screen when they had the averages up and I was on 68 after three legs and it's really tough not to get embarrassed by that."Once the early nerves had settled however, the Welshman began to find his groove, thanks in part to a flurry of brilliant finishes. In his post-game interview, Williams revealed he didn't know who Bialecki was despite him reaching the UK Open Quarter-Final earlier this year. "I honestly didn't know him."
Nearing the end of his first year on the PDC Tour, this win puts Williams provisionally into the top 64 on the order of merit. This marks a solid opening campaign for the Quiff despite the fact as he admits himself, "I don't put nowhere near enough time in as this level deserves." Having started a business, darts isn't Williams sole focus right now. "Priorities for me at the moment aren't darts but I need to change that really."
After coming so close to shocking Joe Cullen in a brilliant round 2 encounter last year, James Wade is the man who awaits Williams this time around. "He's good isn't he but hopefully I can relax and give him a game."
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.
WILLIAMS COMPLETES THE COMEBACK!
Jim Williams fights back against Sebastian Bialecki to secure a 3-2 victory and reach the Second Round.
Some brilliant finishing in that game 👏
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