Showman Shaggy: Scott Williams takes down practice partner Rob Cross to complete part one of PDC World Darts Championship
PDC
A match that nearly went to midnight on the Ally Pally stage and into Christmas Eve. But Scott Williams is through and for the second successive game, it is a big name seed who is out at the PDC World Darts Championship. Sixth seed gone and now fifth seed Rob Cross.
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It is revenge also from two years ago after Cross beat him. Both were defending semi-finals from last year in what was a gruelling game and perhaps one based on too much respect.
But it is the Boston based showman who will return after Christmas to face Ricardo Pietreczko in the third round.
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Williams was lamenting his poor doubling throughout as he simply couldn't get going and that was the case in Set One. He missed three at doubles for the first set as Cross returned for double 10. He took the initiative and led.
But Williams hit back. He took out 72 in the deciding leg for 1-1. Despite missed darts at doubles a plenty with 16 overall. But despite averaging just 86, both were really struggling and Williams edged it leading 2-1 in set.
In what was the final set, Cross couldn't get a shot at 126 and Williams hit double six to make it 2-2 and 'Voltage' was throwing in a decider in a third set out of the four.
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Williams started the decider with a 180 and hit another to leave a nine-dart finish. But was poor in going for it. Cross set up a 170 just in case but couldn't get the second treble.
But Williams went stupidly for two double 20's and threw two out of the board and Cross had a shot at 70 begging. But he missed two at double eight. Williams' error wasn't punished and the showman sealed the win.
ANOTHER SEED CRASHES OUT AS WILLIAMS BEATS CROSS! ❌
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 23, 2024
Revenge for two years ago for Scott Williams as he beats Rob Cross 3-1.
He nearly blew it with some INSANE decision making, but gets over the line!
📺 https://t.co/ItCofNEHJs#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/hnsQ9d5osE
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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