Malicdem eases past Rodriguez in straight sets victory

Noel Malicdem is through to the second round at the PDC World Championship quite comfortably after defeating Rowby-John Rodriguez in straight sets.

Malicdem hit high finishes of 107 and 104 en route to victory; as he looked impressive in his second successive year at the Alexandra Palace taking his PDC Asian Tour form onto the big stage.

Neither player really caught light in the first set; but it was Malicdem who claimed it with an average of 80 3-1 with Rodriguez not hitting a scoring visit over 140 and 1/6 on the doubles in the early going.

Rodriguez did finally pin his first 180; this helped him towards a second leg on the board as the match went towards 1-1 but it was still Malicdem who had the slim advantage.

It went to a deciding leg though but one that Malicdem had the throw in and he strengthened this was a 180 and a 104 checkout to go one set away from victory.

He started off the next set hitting a 98 checkout as he continued to look even more comfortable on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Next leg, he kicked off with a 180 on his own throw after claiming that break and pinned double 20 to go one away and after Rodriguez missed his chance to hold, Malicdem smashed in a 107 checkout to claim victory.

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

World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Tuesday December 17, afternoon session

Ryan Searle (86.95) 3-2 (80.80) Robbie King (R1)
Cristo Reyes (85.62) 3-2 (84.36) Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Rowby-John Rodriguez (81.34) 0-3 (85.07) Noel Malicdem (R1)
15:30 Krzysztof Ratajski vs Zoran Lerchbacher (R2)

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