Rydz edges past Durrant in gruelling battle on World Matchplay debut

Callan Rydz is through to the second round on his World Matchplay debut after edging past Glen Durrant in a gruelling battle on Sunday afternoon.

It was an 82 average for Rydz who hit three 180's but it was the doubling stats that told the tale of the tape with the victor hitting 9/29 and Durrant hitting 6/35 who's woes continue after two previous semi-finals at the tournament.

Durrant missed the bull for an opening leg 86 salvo but he returned after Rydz couldn’t make a dent in 88 only leaving 36 which he came back to hit after the former couldn’t clean up.

‘Duzza’ was first to a finish on Rydz’ throw and after messing around on 89, he watched Rydz miss 167 on the bull to hold.

But again, it was double woes with both missing opportunity after opportunity before a last dart madhouse double one allowed Rydz to go 2-0 up with 0/10 for Durrant on the doubles. He had darts to win every leg but came up short with Rydz moving 4-0 up and he took his tally to 12 as Rydz went into the break at 5-0.

This was despite both still averaging in the 70’s. Durrant finally got off the mark at 5-1 down and from there with the support of the crowd made it 6-3.

Double 20 though saw Rydz claim a four leg lead at the break as he looked to head towards the second round at 7-3 up.

Rydz edged ever closer from there with a 106 checkout to make it 8-4 and despite a hold from Durrant, Rydz went one away with a 92 checkout.

Durrant missed double 18 for a 72 checkout but Rydz missed bull for a 71 checkout and the win. The former missed a trio of darts once more at the prior target but was allowed back again with more darts missed by Rydz.

Durrant was still fighting and made it 9-6 with double 18. A 180 from Rydz saw him down towards the finishing line as he looked to extinguish those hopes. A double 10 shot saw him claim it from there.