For the first time in his career, Paolo Nebrida has won a match at the PDC World Darts Championship. The Filipino saw off Jim Williams in the opening round 3-2, surviving five missed matchdarts from the Welshman. Nebrida will now face 19th-seeded Ross Smith.
For Nebrida, it is his third participation in the World Darts Championship; in his previous two participations, he narrowly lost in deciding sets to Danny Jansen and Simon Whitlock. "I feel great!" Nebrida reflected in his post-match press conference. "Being up there on stage, first round game, it's really tough. So this is a real pleasure for me."
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In the deciding leg, Nebrida required 96 for match. After nailing treble 20, his first dart at double 18 landed just on the outside wire. "I thought it was in!" Nebrida laughs, before explaining how he composed himself before pinning the second matchdart. "This is my last chance... I just have to get it."
Throughout the year, Nebrida is mostly active on the PDC Asian Tour, which in recent years has been growing quality and producing better and better players. "We're consistent now in Asia. We all play all over Asia and it's a big help," he explains.
Ross Smith
Nebrida will be back in action Sunday night, when he will take on 19th-seeded Ross Smith in the second round. "I know him, I know Ross. He's a good player but I want to continue," Nebrida previews. "It will be tough."