Meikle sets up Van Barneveld clash after surviving close shave against Ashton at PDC World Darts Championship

Ryan Meikle will face Raymond van Barneveld in the second round after averting a real scare from a brilliant Lisa Ashton who still is without a win on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Meikle averaged 91 with five 180's and 45% on the outer ring as 'The Barber' went 2-0 up and saw the four-time Ladies World Champion come back to send it to a deciding set but this brilliance could not be sustained until the very end.

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Meikle sealed the opening set 3-1 with Ashton sealing a 68 checkout in her sole hold but it was a solid start for ‘The Barber’ with an 89 average and 75% on the outer ring.

Ashton started with an opening 85 checkout break on double 20 but Meikle cancelled that out on double 10.

Ashton took it to a deciding leg though on double 12 but Meikle pinned an 87 checkout for a 2-0 sets lead.

Meikle hit a 54 checkout to break to begin set three. Ashton responded with a 117 checkout to break back. She went one away from the set.

Ashton missed 170 on the bull for the set and Meikle sent it the distance. He missed bull for an 82 checkout and Ashton hit treble 10, double 20 for the set.

Ashton missed 102 for a break but Meikle missed double eight and Ashton broke on double five. She hit 60 for the hold. Ashton missed seven darts for a deciding set and Meikle scraped a decider.

But sealed the deciding set with a superb 74 checkout. Meikle again had the advantage breaking throw to begin the final set, he consolidated with a 109 checkout and he went one away.

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