Rafferty marks Ally Pally debut with narrow win over Wattimena at PDC World Darts Championship

Nathan Rafferty will face Michael Smith in the second round of the 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship after a narrow win over Jermaine Wattimena in the opening round.

Rafferty sealed a 3-2 win with an 87 average, three 180's despite missing 22 darts at double during the tie but a high scoring meeting has been set up with the recent Grand Slam winner.

Rafferty sealed an opening hold including a 180. He couldn’t pounce on an opportunity at 107 and Wattimena drew level on double eight. A clinical 61 checkout saw Rafferty go one away from an opening set.

Rafferty missed 100 for the set and Wattimena pinned double six for 2-2. Rafferty missed 130 for the set but returned for double two.

From 2-0 down in the set, Rafferty hit double 20 to send it the distance. A 97 checkout from Wattimena saw him sealed the set averting late pressure from Rafferty.

But Rafferty swept the requisite set. He left 68 for another break only for Wattimena to hit 108 to hold and he swept the set 3-0 with a 101 checkout.

Rafferty took the opening leg of the final set on double five. Wattimena levelled up on double 10. Rafferty missed two to go one away but wasn’t punished by Wattimena and ‘The Natural’ hit double four finally.

Wattimena missed the bull to send it to a decider but Rafferty missed two match darts only to return with Wattimena messing around on 25 and he finally hit double 10 last dart in hand.