Lennon, O'Connor and Szaganski secure Ally Pally triumphs

Cork-based Bus Éireann driver Radek Szaganski set up a second-round clash with five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld.

Wed, 20 Dec, 2023 - 17:51

PA, David Kent

Ireland's Steve Lennon fought back from a two-set deficit to beat English debutant Owen Bates 3-2 at the World Darts Championship on Wednesday.

Carlow's Lennon won nine of the last 11 legs against the 21-year-old crowd favourite to claim the win needed to retain his PDC Tour card.

"I don't know how I won that," said Lennon. "I was panicking deep down, it's a massive win."

Bates had qualified through the PDC Challenge Tour and emerged with huge credit from a pulsating contest, hitting five 180s and producing 101 and 108 second-set checkouts.

But Bates missed five doubles for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set as Lennon, who hit six maximums, grew stronger and booked a second-round meeting with Welshman Jonny Clayton.

Lennon's compatriot, Limerick native William O'Connor had a far more comfortable time with a 3-0 victory over Bhav Patel.

The Indian left-hander was close to a 157 finish but he failed to win a single leg and the impressive O'Connor - who hit 64 percent of his doubles and averaged 98.74 - will play Chris Dobey next.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Bus Éireann driver in Cork set up a second-round clash with five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld.

Radek Szaganski, originally from Poznan, moved to Ireland in 2006 to help fund his wedding, but has settled on Leeside, where he works as a driver for BÉ by day.

He came from two sets to one down in his first-round clash with Finland's Marko Kantele, the highlight of which was a stunning 142 checkout on double 11.

Szaganski, who lives in Cobh, is now up against Dutch legend van Barneveld on Friday evening in the iconic Alexandra Palace - with a victory moving him into the top 64 in the world rankings.

Meanwhile, Ross Smith was stung by a wasp on stage after avoiding second-round pain to Niels Zonneveld.

Number 16 seed Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Zonneveld before running into problems at Alexandra Palace.

"There's the wasp," Smith said in his post-match Sky Sports interview as he noticed the insect.

The Englishman then recoiled in pain and said: "He's just stung me like a good one. Little bugger."

Smith, a prolific maximum hitter, was below his best but still produced seven 180s and the second 170 checkout of the tournament to see off plucky Dutchman Zonnevald.

"It wasn't a great game and I didn't play nowhere near what I can," said Smith. "But I can enjoy my turkey and pigs in blankets now.

"I tried to get some fire in my belly, but it was really difficult. I was a bit nervy the last couple of days, everyone is because you just want to get through.

"I will relax now and hopefully be better after Christmas."