Malicdem comes from behind to seal win over De Graaf as first round comes to a close

The first round is complete with Noel Malicdem the last player through after seeing off Jeffrey de Graaf in a comeback win for the Filipino debutant.

De Graaf was 2-1 up in sets but Malicdem came back to move through and means that the Dutchman has basically lost his tour card. Malicdem started the clash off by claiming the first set reeling off three legs in a row after losing the first leg. De Graaf came back to take the next set 3-1 with 67% on the doubles. The Asian Tour nine dart hero missed three set darts in the deciding leg and this allowed the Dutchman to take consecutive sets with 3-2 despite an average of 78.5. This was where the Filipino ace came back to win the match taking the next set 3-1 and he followed that up by sealing the deciding set including a 91 checkout on the bull. for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown. Nathan Aspinall (88.42) 3-0 (78.03) Geert Nentjes (R1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2) Jeffrey de Graaf (78.52) 2-3 (85.86) Noel Malicdem (R1, 1-3, 3-1, 3-2, 1-3, 0-3) Joe Cullen v Brendan Dolan (R2) Kim Huybrechts v Daniel Larsson (R2)