Neil Duff begins title defence at Lakeside with a win as Leonard Gates through in straight sets to next round

Neil Duff and Leonard Gates made it to the last sixteen at the WDF World Championships late Tuesday night. Duff proved too strong for Moreno Blom to begin his title defence on a positive note.

Duff, defending champion in Frimley Green, won the first set 3-0, but the second set went 2-3 to the Dutchman. Blom then got to 2-0 in the third set, but missed chances to take the set. Duff came back into the set and went on to win it thanks to an 18-darter.

In the fourth set, Blom was again close to winning the set. Thanks to a 120 finish, he forced a fifth leg. In that leg, Blom was not out within five visits, after which Duff secured a spot in the next round with an 18-darter.

Leonard Gates will also make his appearance in the next round. The American had little trouble with John Scott, who was allowed to play Lakeside as an alternate because Thibault Tricole withdrew. Gates, who is considered one of the favorites, won 3-0 in sets against Scott.