Former World Champion Keith Deller will need a little time to adapt to the unique feel of the Live League.
Josh Richardson and Lee Evans took the early lead in their respective groups on Thursday as they ended the day top and took full advantage over the rest of the field as they look to join Robert Thornton in Saturday’s finale at the Online Darts Live League.
Richardson, who featured in the opening three phases of the Live League in 2022, made his return by taking the early lead in Group C, in winning four of his five matches, recording victories over Adam Smith-Neale, Sean Fisher, Chris Gilliland and Darren Penhall, with his only defeat coming against Pete Burgoyne.
Elsewhere, Darren Penhall also ended the day on 8 points, but sits behind Richardson on leg difference. Adam Smith-Neale sits in 3rd on 6 points, Chris Gilliland in 4th on 4 points, with Pete Burgoyne and Sean Fisher tied at the bottom on 2 points each.
In Group B, Lee Evans took the early lead, in winning three of his four matches, recording victories over Robert Owen, Rob Collins and Keith Deller, with his only defeat coming against Gavin Carlin, who also ended the night on 6 points, as did Robert Owen, who sits in 3rd on leg difference, with Rob Collins sitting in 4th on 2 points and Keith Deller bottom on 0 points, having suffered four defeats from four.
Online Darts Live League continues on Friday with players continuing to battle out as they aim to join Robert Thornton in Saturday’s finale, with Richardson and Evans taking the early lead thus far. Group C will commence from 9:30am BST and Group B will commence from 10pm BST. Play will be streamed live on Online Darts TV YouTube channel or via various bookmaker’ websites worldwide.
Online Darts Live League Week 1
Group C Day 1- Thursday 9th June
Josh Richardson 4-3 Adam Smith-Neale
Chris Gilliland 4-3 Pete Burgoyne
Darren Penhall 4-3 Sean Fisher
Pete Burgoyne 4-3 Josh Richardson
Adam Smith-Neale 4-0 Sean Fisher
Darren Penhall 4-2 Chris Gilliland
Josh Richardson 4-3 Sean Fisher
Darren Penhall 4-1 Pete Burgoyne
Adam Smith-Neale 4-3 Chris Gilliland
Sean Fisher 4-3 Pete Burgoyne
Josh Richardson 4-2 Chris Gilliland
Darren Penhall 4-3 Adam Smith-Neale
Chris Gilliland 4-2 Sean Fisher
Adam Smith-Neale 4-3 Pete Burgoyne
Josh Richardson 4-0 Darren Penhall
Group B Day 1
Lee Evans 4-1 Robert Owen
Gavin Carlin 4-1 Rob Collins
Robert Owen 4-2 Keith Deller
Gavin Carlin 4-3 Lee Evans
Rob Collins 4-2 Keith Deller
Robert Owen 4-3 Gavin Carlin
Lee Evans 4-2 Rob Collins
Gavin Carlin 4-1 Keith Deller
Robert Owen 4-1 Rob Collins
Lee Evans 4-2 Keith Deller
—–ENDS—–
Images: Chris Sargeant/ Tip Top and WSDT
