Ian White is the latest seed to head out of the 2020 PDC World Championship with Darius Labanauskas getting the better of him in an impressive display.
For Labanauskas, his form keeps getting better on the Ally Pally stage; with four wins out of five and he hit three 180's and a 96 average; despite a near 101 average from White and 57 percent on the doubles, it was the Lithuanian who had the edge.
White and Labanauskas jostled for position in the early going; but it was 'Diamond' who drew the match up at 1-1 with an 88 checkout after having a poor first leg in which he missed four darts at doubles.
It continued to be level with White smashing in a 136 checkout for 2-2; but it was Labanauskas who wrapped up the first set 3-2 despite having an 83 average.
The Lithuanian left himself handily placed to break throw in the requisite leg; but a brilliant 81 checkout finished on double 13 brought White a hold of throw.
White though flipped it around in the next set averaging 107 and claiming it in consecutive legs whilst also hitting five 180's. 'Diamond' began to really flip the match around after initially starting slowly.
He took the lead in set three but 'Lucky D' took a break of throw as he aimed to take control again in the contest.
White hit a timely 180 to leave 60 and Labanauskas buckled as a result allowing White to break back. He was back on 157 though in the next leg which allowed White to force a decider.
Both players exchanged 180's in the decider but it was Labanauskas that pinned a 74 checkout in the decider to go one away.
Against the darts, Lucky D continued to impress and he broke to go one up in the fourth set. He followed that up with a hold of throw to go one away.
White hit another 180 and gave himself a lifeline with an 81 checkout to hold throw. Despite that Labanauskas left himself on 117 and was well ahead and claimed victory with a 60 checkout.
Click here for more information on the PDC World Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.
PDC World Championship 2020 schedule
December 15, afternoon
Kyle Anderson (89.56) 3-2 (83.16) Xiaochen Zong (R1)
Ross Smith (87.67) 0-3 (90.08) Ciaran Teehan (R1)
Brendan Dolan (97.35) 3-0 (90.17) Nitin Kumar (R1)
Ian White (100.33) 1-3 (96.31)
Darius Labanauskas (R2)
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