Searle fends off tough test from Lauby to set up De Zwaan clash

Ryan Searle is through to the second round at the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship but only after a tough test against Danny Lauby which went to a deciding set.

Searle claimed it 3-2 in the end with a 98.3 average and will now have Jeffrey de Zwaan in the next round.

As expected the game was rapid fire and it was Searle who was straight out the blocks and into a 1-0 set lead with a clean sweep to begin the first set averaging 96 denying Lauby a single dart at a double.

The American sparked into life though taking out 121 and sealing the second set with a 148 checkout in the deciding leg.

It was time following that for a 121 for Searle as he sealed the third set without reply dispelling the flourish from Lauby to regain command with a 102 average and three 180's.

But despite that, Lauby wasn't finished as Searle squandered five match darts and Lauby claimed a reprieve to send 'Heavy Metal' all the way to a decider.

Searle though got through the tough test pinning double one after Lauby missed multiple opportunities to send it all the way to a decider.

2021 PDC World Darts Championship schedule

Thursday December 17

Evening Session (18:00 GMT)

Luke Woodhouse (92.23) 2-3 (90.67) Jamie Lewis (R1) (3-0, 3-2, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3)

Ron Meulenkamp (87.71) 3-1 (89.82) Boris Krcmar (R1) (0-3, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)

Ryan Searle (98.31) 3-2 (88.98) Danny Lauby (R1) (3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-1)

Jose de Sousa v Ross Smith (R2)