Jamie Lewis came into this year's
Lakeside World Championship with many harking back to his 2018 PDC World Darts Championship exploits which saw him reach the semi-finals, but young Dutch talent Jarno Bottenberg wasn't one to care about reputation on Sunday afternoon.
Bottenberg made light work of Lewis who since sealing his spot last season has barely played leaving Q-School early due to personal reasons after his drop off after his Ally Pally dream run. The Welshman likely would've had a run had he not ran into the Dutch talent.
Bottenberg who recently impressed in the MODUS Super Series averaged 91.72, the highest yet in a 3-0, 3-1 two sets win. Maybe a threat emerging and also a fast paced game awaits as he faces Danny Lauby.
Lewis was looking good and at times showing some of his brilliance. But Bottenberg blew him away to give him no chance. He hit two 180's in a leg and then hit double six in the next leg for the opening set in double quick time.
Lewis finally got a leg on the board with a 100 checkout. But Bottenberg held throw to make it 1-1 as he aimed to continue his procession towards victory. Bottenberg went the wrong route for 84, but he returned still for double four to go one away. He pinned double 18 to seal victory.
Blom and Steenbergen set up Duff and Ashton showdowns
It was actually a trio of Dutch wins in a row to end the season, with
Moreno Blom another rising star also impressing. After Gabor Takacs took the opening few legs, he broke back to make it 2-2 and in the deciding leg, he survived a set dart and Blom took it.
In the second set, an important break after Takacs missed a dart at the double proved the hammer blow as Blom went on to conclude it from there. He averaged only 78, but Blom showed a lot that may trouble Neil Duff next up.
While Priscilla Steenbergen will now face the returning Lisa Ashton after a nervy last leg win over Kym Mitchell. It looked for all money that Steenbergen who was impressive last time out in 2022 was going to ease through to the second round.
She did not get a match dart though in the second set from 65 and Mitchell got herself into the tie. It was the tale of five breaks on the spin including a superb 95 from Mitchell followed by a 130 for 2-2. However, she missed two match darts and Steenbergen kept her cool for the win.
