Scott Williams overcomes Haruki Muramatsu challenge to seal spot in round 2 at the World Darts Championship

Scott Williams was pushed by Haruki Muramatsu, but eventually, 'Shaggy' prevailed 3-1 to seal his place in round 2 at the PDC World Darts Championships.

After his impressive World Championship performances last year, Williams hasn't had the greatest of years in 2023. He started brightly here though, taking the opening leg with a 120 to break the throw. In fact, every leg in the first set went against the darts with Williams taking it 3-2.

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Taking the first successful hold of throw to open the second set, Williams let out a big roar of approval and after Muramatsu missed two darts for the following leg, Williams moved two clear and was suddenly throwing for the set. Easing to a hold of throw in leg 3 and it was 2-0 to 'Shaggy' at the second break.

Muramatsu wasn't done just yet however and the experienced Japanese thrower came roaring back to start the third set, taking both the opening two legs. A few moments later, via a splendid 108 checkout, Muramatsu had a set on the board.

The Japanese then made four legs on the spin to kick off set 4, but after he let a couple of chances to make it five on the bounce, Williams stopped the rot and regained a foothold in the match. Nailing double top, Williams then moved to the brink of victory. Muramatsu saved his skin, sending the set to a decider with a 116 checkout, but Williams would seal victory with a roof-raising 127 on the bullseye.

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