TRICOLE TAKES THE LEAD! Thibault Tricole wins the third set decider to take a lead in sets for the first time! 📺 bit.ly/24WCLive #WCDarts | R1
Vive la France as Thibaut Tricole edges Mario Vandenbogaerde for history-making win at the Ally Pally
PDCMonday, 18 December 2023 at 21:24
With the second week of action at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship beginning, France's Thibaut Tricole has secured a history-making 3-1 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde in a game of fine margins.
Making history as the first Frenchman to compete at the Alexandra Palace, Tricole was looking to prove himself on the biggest of stages and quickly raced into a two-nil lead in the opening set. Vandenbogaerde though, wouldn't be swayed. The Belgian kept his composure and bounced back, reeling off the next three legs without reply to take the opening set.
Set 2 was another extremely close fought affair. Again going the distance, this time it was 'the French Touch' who prevailed. After Vandenbogaerde had missed set darts, Tricole secured the set although his reaction of giving a big thumbs down perhaps summed up what he'd thought of his performance so far.
More missed darts from the Belgian to begin set 3 were punished again by Tricole who bagged a 21-dart break of throw. A fifteen dart hold for Tricole followed, his fifth straight leg. Vandenbogaerde stopped the rot with a hold of his own and then with a brilliant 101 finish, the third straight set went to a decider. Although Vandenbogaerde had the darts, Tricole, via his third 180 of the match took control and moved 2-1 ahead in sets.
Pinning 68 for the first leg of the fourth set, Tricole continued his positive momentum. Despite a few missed in the next leg, Vandenbogaerde eventually nailed double 5 to level up the set. When Vandenbogaerde missed tops in the following leg however, he wasn't able to get away with it this time as Tricole punished. When the Belgian held in leg 4 another deciding leg was required. Both players looked incredibly nervous and trebles were few and far between in leg 5, eventually it was Tricole who took it to progress to round 2.
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- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
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- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024