Lowe sets up tie with Smith after tough battle with Gorbunov

Jason Lowe has set up a tie with Michael Smith in the Second Round of the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship after seeing off the brilliant Russian, Dmitriy Gorbunov.

It was a tough battle for Lowe who survived a spirited fightback from Gorbunov who entertained with a brilliant walk on prior to the tie.

Lowe didn't start at his best but wrapped up the first set 3-0 despite an average of only 83.5 as Gorbunov missed four darts at doubles in the first set.

The second set was also pretty academic from the Cradley Heath ace as he wrapped it up 3-1 to double his advantage despite still averaging just over 80.

The entertaining Russian emerged though as he looked to fightback with a 141 and 116 checkout en route to a set win despite only averaging 79 with 24% on the doubles himself.

Lowe broke Gorbunov's throw as he aimed to head towards the finishing line but he missed match darts and the latter levelled the fourth set at 2-2 and was throwing to send it all the way.

A brilliant 84 checkout though sealed it for Lowe as he didn't hand the Russian another opportunity.

Derk Telnekes (87.15) 2-3 (87.33) Nick Kenny (R1) (3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 0-3, 0-3)

Jason Lowe (86.72) 3-1 (80.56) Dmitriy Gorbunov (R1) (3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2)

Maik Kuivenhoven v Matthew Edgar (R1)

Vincent van der Voort v Ron Meulenkamp (R2)