Winner Whitlock's Philippine Déjà Vu

WIZAARD WINS ON OPENING NIGHT

Simon Whitlock sets up a Saturday Night clash with former back-to-back World Champion Gary Anderson, after coming through a last set decider against Paolo Nebrida on Night 1 of the 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

The Wizard beat another player from the Philippines in Christian Perez by a 3-2 scoreline 12 months ago and repeated the trick this time around, despite losing the opening set without winning a leg.

The former World Championship finalist held on three occasions to level the match at 1-1 in sets including a 90 checkout on double 15 in the third leg.

Whitlock continued pushing on the opening night at the Alexandra Palace, breaking throw instantly at the start of the third set before holding his throw twice to move within a set of the 2nd Round.

Nebrida pushed the contest the distance, having a good time of things on the world stage including a 121 finish on double 14 as well as 6 180s in front a lively opening night Ally Pally crowd.

But experience showed for The Aussie who went on to pick up a crucial 3-2 win in Round 1 of the World Championship, wrapping up victory on double 4 to set up a blockbuster clash with Gary Anderson tonight in the final game of the day.

“That was a really tough match. Paolo played so well, but I think experience won that game for me. I’m a big 180 hitter and they weren’t there today, but tomorrow is a different day. Maybe they will turn, maybe I will turn up and me and Gary will have a great game.”

The experienced duo have met on numerous occasions before, with both players winning World Cup titles for their countries as well as reaching a Premier League Darts Final.

Defending Champion Michael Smith was given a scare by debutant Kevin Doets on Night 1, with the Dutchman including 9 180s despite a 3-2 defeat in the final match of the session. Bully Boy showed just why he is the World Number 1, including a 142 finish on double 11 with the match poised at 2-2.

The St Helens born player will return after Christmas to face either Madars Razma/ Mike de Decker or Dragutin Horvat in the Last 32.

Day 2 sees Dave Chisnall and Jules van Dongen open their World Championship campaigns, with 3 Time European Tour winner Chizzy facing Cameron Menzies in the final match of the afternoon session. Cammy defeated Rusty-Jake Rodriguez 3-0 to secure his place in a second consecutive Second Round tie.