Ratajski comes from a set down to defeat Lerchbacher to move into Last 32 for first time

Krzysztof Ratajski is through to the Last 32 for the first time after defeating Zoran Lerchbacher coming from a set down to defeat 'Hypercane' 3-1.

Ratajski looked to be heading out of tournament potentially after that set as both players jostled for position throughout but he started to find form to move through with a 91 average, two 180s and 39 percent on his doubles.

Lerchbacher started well against his heavily fancied opponent taking the first leg before Ratajski himself returned for a 76 finish for one a piece. They both jostled for position but it was Lerchbacher who forced a decider.

Ratajski was left to rue three missed set darts in the decider; as Lerchbacher claimed a break of throw to go one set up.

Both players did not want the first leg it seemed but it was Ratajski who broke throw to go one up. They once again messed around on doubles; but it was Lerchbacher who claimed the immediate break back.

It went to two a piece though; after Lerchbacher had missed one set dart and Ratajski as a result hit double four for two a piece. Ratajski edged out the second set in a decider to restore parity; in what wasn't the most high quality game at this point.

In the requisite set, Lerchbacher kicked off by hitting a 101 checkout to make it one a piece in one of the high points of the match so far.

Despite that, Ratajski took a second successive set and again on a deciding leg to hit the front in the tie for the first time.

After Lerchbacher had issues holding throw, it was a brilliant break from Ratajski who smashed in a 70 checkout. He extended that with double 16 to go one away from the finishing line.

'The Hypercane' came back with a hold of throw to put the impetus onto Ratajski and he didn't buckle hitting a 64 checkout to win.

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

World Darts Championship 2020 schedule

Tuesday December 17, afternoon session

Ryan Searle (86.95) 3-2 (80.80) Robbie King (R1)
Cristo Reyes (85.62) 3-2 (84.36) Lourence Ilagan (R1)
Rowby-John Rodriguez (81.34) 0-3 (85.07) Noel Malicdem (R1)
Krzysztof Ratajski (91.35) 3-1 (92.30) Zoran Lerchbacher (R2)

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