Steve Lennon has defeated Daniel Larsson 3-1 in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The Carlow man hit four 180’s and had an average of 96 in what was a professional display form the 2019 World Cup of Darts finalist.
Both players held their throw throughout the opening three legs of the contest, with Lennon taking out a superb 130 to go 2-1 ahead. He then broke the Swede’s throw to take the first set on a score of 3-1.
Lennon comfortably won the second set on the same scoreline of 3-1 to move 2-0 ahead and seemingly on course to cruise into the second-round. However, the unseeded Larsson refused to accept defeat and took out a brilliant 129 with a bullseye finish to break Lennon’s throw and drag himself back into the game. Leading 1-0, Larsson held his throw for the remainder of the third set to make it 2-1.
Lennon was not to be denied, however. The Carlow native responded to his third set defeat with a crucial break at the beginning of the fourth and what turned out to be the final set to go 1-0 up. Larsson failed to break back which left the score at 2-0, leaving Lennon on the cusp of his first second-round encounter since 2019. The Irishman didn’t scupper his chance. Larsson failed to take out a 105 in the fourth leg, leaving Lennon with three match darts on double 12. Having missed the first two, Lennon hit the double with his third to wrap up the set and the match.
The Barrowsider will now face veteran Devon Peterson on Tuesday evening in his second-round match. While Peterson will be the clear favourite, Lennon will know that he has the game to trouble the best players at this year’s event.