Mike De Decker races into round 2 with straight sets win over Dragutin Horvat

Tuesday, 19 December 2023 at 21:53

Mike De Decker has raced past Dragutin Horvat in straight sets to book his place in round 2 at the PDC World Darts Championships.

With plenty of German fans in attendance, Horvat was given a rapturous welcome as he took to the stage. Once the darts began however, it was De Decker that looked the better, winning the opening set 3-1.

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Set 2 followed much the same pattern. Whilst Horvat was scoring better than his opponent, De Decker's finishing was top quality. Taking his ton-plus checkout tally to three (110, 106, 100), the Belgian again won the set 3-1 to move two clear.

With the 180s flying in from both to begin the third set, Horvat hit a ton-plus checkout of his own, 117 to break throw in the opening leg. De Decker though, broke straight back in leg 2. With De Decker holding throw to go one away, Horvat kept his cool to force a deciding leg. With the Belgian having the advantage of throw, he was always favourite in the decider and he would prevail to claim a 3-0 win.