Robert Owen stuns former semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens to ensure a World Darts Championship return after Christmas

He only received a PDC World Darts Championship call up following Dom Taylor's suspension, but Robert Owen is making the most of his Ally Pally chance and is into the third round after defeat former semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens 3-1.

After his semifinal run at the Ally Pally two years ago, Gabriel Clemens came into this one with much pressure on his shoulders. As for Robert Owen, a victory would all but secure his PDC Tour Card for next year, so the Welshman was hardly pressure free either. In a tight and tense opening set, it was Owen who secured it, breaking throw in leg 5 on double 11 to get himself in front early.

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Owen held throw in the opening leg of set 2 as well, before punishing a number of missed darts at double from Gilding for a fourth leg in succession to double his lead in the second set, with him having the darts in leg 3. As the Welshman nailed double top for a comfortable hold of throw, Owen did indeed get a second set on the board.

Immediately breaking throw in the opening leg of the third set, Owen looked as he was relentlessly charging towards the third round. To his credit though, Clemens immediately broke straight back to stop the rot, following that up with two successive leg to take the set and keep himself in the contest, albeit still 2-1 behind.

After Owen missed a dart at the bull to kick off set 4 in style, Clemens pinned a roof-raising 143 checkout to break the Welshman's throw. Owen though, fired right back in the next leg, breaking with an 81 finish. With a 13-darter to hold in the next leg, Owen moved one leg from victory. After Clemens missed two darts to keep the game going, Owen cooly pinned tops for the 3-1 win.

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