Pipe comes from brink of potential upset to defeat debutant Pretnemer

Justin Pipe came from the brink of elimination to defeat Benjamin Pretnemer who impressed on debut and nearly picked up a stunning victory.

Pipe though showed his experience to send it all the way and claim the victory against the debutant who impressed at times in what many could call the slowest game potentially of all time in the tournament. It was 'The Force' though who hit a 92 average with 39 percent on his doubles who won through.

Pratnemer took the lead in shock fashion taking the opening set 3-2 with a 92.48 average as he defied a 100 average from Pipe who himself missed darts for the set and the Slovenian qualifier looked to settle quite quickly on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Pipe though immediately got back on level terms winning the second set 3-1 with a 94.8 average and 5/6 on the doubles as both players remained close to each other and Pratnemer in particular played remarkably well.

It was the Slovenian who from there got his nose back in front going 3-1 in legs as he went 2-1 up in sets and asked the question of Pipe.

Pratnemer levelled it up at 1-1 after Pipe had taken the early lead and after Pipe fluffed his lines on multiple occasions, Pratnemer went one away from victory on debut.

Pipe though put pressure on and this succeeded as he hit a 70 checkout to break throw and go one away from forcing a deciding set. He did so after Pratnemer had missed multiple darts to claim victory and he started well breaking throw on double eight to wrestle back control.

Pipe hit double 16 to add to that and go one away himself and he finally got over the line after some initial doubts.

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

Thursday December 19, afternoon session

Justin Pipe (92.26) 3-2 (87.45) Benjamin Pratnemer (R1)

Ryan Joyce vs Jan Dekker (R1)

John Henderson vs James Richardson (R2)

Steve Beaton vs Kyle Anderson (R2)

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