Nijman thrashes Van Barneveld, Evans and Nicholson both edge past Webster

Nicholson started off the Icons of Darts Live League by edging past Mark Webster in a 5-4 win. It was a match which despite going the distance did not paint the full picture.

Webster ended up fighting back from 3-0 down to level the tie at 3-3 which saw him bookend that with a 90 finish on the bullseye and despite 'The Asset' edging ahead he squandered three match darts which saw 'The Spider' have a chance at a decider.

He couldn't take it though and Nicholson edged through in order to claim the first points of the day in the tournament.

Then it was up to Raymond van Barneveld who of course retired at this past World Championship, he is involved today but was soundly beaten by his compatriot, Development Tour winner Wessel Nijman.

Nijman claimed a 5-1 victory over the legendary five time World Champion who of course would have been many people's tip to claim the early victory.

'Barney' took the first leg but from there did not claim another foothold in the tie with Nijman hitting a 92 average, 8 140's and 50 percent on his doubles. The former on the otherhand hit an 82 average and only 14 percent (1/7) on his doubles.

Then it was the turn of David Evans who also denied Mark Webster like Paul Nicholson in a last leg decider.

An even match throughout, the turning points for 'Stretch' came with him hitting a 101 checkout to force a last leg shootout and from there Webster missed a match dart to claim the points handing Evans a shot at double four to claim it.

The former hit 71% on his doubles which could have been the difference with him being more clinical when it mattered compared to 4/19 from Webster.

Mark Webster (73.21) 4-5 (79.54) Paul Nicholson
Raymond van Barneveld (83.48) 1-5 (92.56) Wessel Nijman
David Evans (81.99) 5-4 (82.99) Mark Webster
Paul Nicholson v Raymond van Barneveld
Wessel Nijman v David Evans
Mark Webster v Raymond van Barneveld
Paul Nicholson v Wessel Nijman
David Evans v Raymond van Barneveld
Mark Webster v Wessel Nijman
Paul Nicholson v David Evans