Steve Lennon is through to the second round at the 2021/22 PDC
World Darts Championship after seeing off Madars Razma staving off the potential of the tie going all the way in the end.
Lennon produced a 93 average, seven 180's and high checkouts of 136 and 120 despite missing 10/28 on the doubles. He will now take on Krzysztof Ratajski.
Razma claimed an opening break before pinning a 180 but this was soon cancelled out by Lennon who levelled it up.
A second 180 and 120 saw Lennon go one away from the set at 2-1 up. Double five saw him claim it.
Razma survived late pressure from Lennon in the form of a 180 but the Irishman pinned 136 to level up and hold.
Razma responded with an 85 checkout to make it 2-1. Lennon missed three at double 12 to force a decider in the set and Razma responded with an 80 checkout to make it 1-1.
A 180 was pinned by Lennon and despite missing three darts for the opening leg, Razma couldn't punished and the Irishman responded.
A 128 checkout saw Razma level up. A 180 and double five finally for Lennon after missing multiple darts for the hold saw him go one away from a 2-1 lead in sets.
Razma pinned a last dart double 20 to make it 2-2. He couldn't hit a 160 so was hoping Lennon missed a 15 checkout which he didn't as 'Scuba Steve' hit the madhouse for a 2-1 sets lead.
In a pivotal set for Razma, he missed three darts for the hold but was back with Lennon unable to make a dent in the 120.
More darts came and went for Razma though and Lennon went 1-0 up with a break. The Latvian broke back immediately though. A 177 and double 20 saw Razma go one away from a deciding set.
A hold saw Lennon force a deciding leg. Either another set or the Irishman would claim the victory.
Lennon missed multiple match darts but Razma missed double 20 in going for 70 which allowed the former back for the victory.