Payne sets up clash with Van den Bergh after easing past Portela

Josh Payne is successfully through to the second round at the 2020 PDC World Championship after an impressive win over Diogo Portela.

Barring one set, Payne was ahead throughout and hit a 96 average with two 180's and 45 percent on his doubles. He will next take on Dimitri van den Bergh.

To begin, Payne was barely troubled in the first set taking it without reply averaging 96; as he put Portela to the sword early on in proceedings. He continued that in the next set by hitting a 130 checkout to take control after losing the first leg.

Portela hit double 16 though to force a deciding leg in that second set; but despite him averaging 100 in that set, it wasn't enough as Payne won it 3-2 to double his lead and go one set away

An 87 checkout from Payne saw him break throw as he surged towards the finishing line; despite messing around on doubles, he went one away as Portela wasn't in a position to really trouble the Gravesend ace. He finished it off with double eight to move through.

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

PDC World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Wednesday December 18, evening session

James Wilson (89.89) 1-3 (95.67) Nico Kurz (R1)
Josh Payne (96.49) 3-0 (90.46) Diogo Portela (R1)
Gabriel Clemens vs Benito van de Pas (R1)
James Wade vs Ritchie Edhouse (R2)

https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1207403377304461318?s=20

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