28/12/2019

Labanauskas sets up Quarter-Final clash with Van Gerwen after impressive win over Beaton

Darius Labanauskas is through to the Quarter-Finals at the 2020 PDC World Championship for the first time after defeating Steve Beaton 4-2.

Labanauskas defeated Beaton in what was a brilliant performance on the doubles with 47 percent equalling his amount so far for the tournament. He will have Michael van Gerwen to contend with though up next so he knows he will have to up his game.

Labanauskas went into an early lead taking out 65 for the opening leg against Beaton and despite it being sent to a decider, the Lithuanian ace took out 114 to claim the opening set and looked good in the early going.

He started the next set by taking a break of throw on double 16 to cement his authority. He added to that with a 47 checkout but Beaton attempted to keep in it by starting the next leg with a 180 and with Labanauskas well back he succeeded hitting a 41 checkout to hold his throw.

The latter missed double 20 for a 160 checkout and Beaton replied with an 80 checkout to send the set to a decider.

Labanauskas missed the bull for a 124 checkout and Beaton smashed in an 87 checkout on the bullseye to nick the set.

Beaton squared the next set up at 1-1 but despite that, Labanauskas streaked to a 2-1 lead with his brilliant finishing which was up at 57 percent allowing him to gain a further foothold.

Beaton in the next set missed three darts at double 16 but Labanauskas surprisingly couldn't finish it off allowing 'The Bronzed Adonis' to hold.

This proved pivotal as he broke throw next leg after Labanauskas had missed the bull and he doubled his lead as a result. Beaton as a result coasted to the fourth set in consecutive legs to draw level at 2-2.

Labanauskas went back to his clinical ways pinning an 82 checkout to take the lead in a next set and from there he cruised to the fifth set going 3-2 up to regain the upper hand.

Beaton missed two at double 20 and once again Labanauskas punished which allowed him to take an early break of throw and he put the pressure on Beaton to hit a 42 checkout to break back and he didn't buckle as it was 1-1.

Another leg went against the throw and Labanauskas went one away from victory. He concluded the victory from there to move through to a tie with Michael van Gerwen.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.