Joyce first to reach fourth round after close match with Norris

PDC
Saturday, 22 December 2018 at 14:14
Ryan Joyce tweede ronde DDM18

Ryan Joyce became the first man to reach the last 16 as he held off Alan Norris in a close encounter at the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship.

The Englishman kept his dream debut run going as he won his third match in succession in a game in which he hit five 180's.
It was Norris who got off to a great start as he took out 152 in the second leg before winning the first set with an average way above the 100-mark. 'Chuck' was not able to maintain this level of play, but did manage to win the second set to double his lead.
However, as has happened many times at this year's World Championship, the player who was behind came back at his opponent. While Norris was unable to get back to his high standard of the first set, Joyce reeled off three consecutive sets to turn the tide and lead 3-2.
Now it was Norris' turn to come back from a defecit as he levelled the match at 3-3. In the decider, Joyce took a quick 2-0 lead to move within a leg of the match. 'Chuck' broke back immediately, but his hopes were dashed when 'Relentless' hit D18 in the next leg to win the match.
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
2018/2019 William Hill World Darts Championship
Saturday December 22
Afternoon Session (1230)
Ryan Joyce (87.88) 4-3 (89.62) Alan Norris (R3, 0-3, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 1-3, 3-1)
Dave Chisnall v Kim Huybrechts (R3)
Daryl Gurney v Jamie Lewis (R3)
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