Rhys Griffin punishes missed doubles by Karel Sedlacek in dream World Darts Championship debut

Rhys Griffin defeated Karel Sedlacek in the first round at the World Darts Championship. The Welshman took advantage of the Czech's many missed doubles, eventually winning the match 3-0.

Sedlacek started the match with a spectacular 122 finish on the bullseye. Griffin had several chances to equalize but missed too many darts on the double, the Czech exploited this gift by hitting double 10.

The Welshman came back to 2-1 with a 15-darter and, helped by two 180 scores, equalized in the fourth leg via double 4. In the decisive fifth leg, Griffin threw his fourth 180 of the match and put himself on double 16 after 15 arrows. Happy Gilmore threw this one in one dart to complete his comeback in the set.

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In the second set, it was again Sedlacek who won the first leg, this time via a 64 finish on double 16. 'Evil Charlie' had chances to move to 2-0 in legs but failed to capitalize on them. Griffin was waiting on double 8, cheered up the crowd a bit and then hit it with his third dart.

The Welshman continued to dominate the scoring and led 2-1 via a 15-darter. Sedlacek came back to 2-2 but after four missed set pieces the second set also slipped out of his hands after Griffin took advantage via double 10.

In the third set, Griffin quickly led 2-0 in legs via a 14-darter and a 15-darter. Sedlacek simply could not keep up with the Welshman and was unable to mount a sensational comeback. The 27-year-old eventually sealed the match with a 13-darter.

Rhys Griffin now has Sunday off before returning to the Alexandra Palace on Monday afternoon, December 23. 'Happy Gilmore' will then take on Northern Irishman Josh Rock in the second round.