Anastasia Dobromyslova (24.27) 1 - 2 (23.24) Anca Zijlstra
The biggest upset of the day was delivered by debutant Anca Zijlstra, who survived a multitude of match-darts to knock out three-time World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova. The contest began at a blistering pace. Zijlstra kicked off with a solid 18-darter, before the Russian responded with a cracking 61 checkout for an accomplished 15-darter.
Zijlstra, making her Lakeside debut, regained the initiative in the set with a classy 72 finish and a strong 14-dart hold. The World Number 14 missed a plethora of darts at double to win the set, before eventually securing the set in the decider, via D8.
Dobromyslova was typically tenacious and bounced back to win the second set, although she was struggling for her usual consistency on D20 and D10 in particular. Despite this, she then established a commanding advantage in the third set, and appeared poised to secure victory.
Nevertheless, Zijlstra prolonged the contest by hitting D10, before converting a fabulous 122 checkout to force a dramatic last-leg decider. Both ladies were understandably affected by nerves, but it was the Dutch star who prevailed, sealing the triumph on D1, after Anastasia had missed the same target just moments earlier.
Lisa Ashton (27.89) 2 - 0 (22.33) Paula Jacklin
Reigning World Champion Lisa Ashton began the defence of her title with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Paula Jacklin. The Lancashire ace posted two maximums and averaged 83.67, to progress to the quarter-finals, where she could face 9-time World Champion Trina Gulliver.
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The biggest upset of the day was delivered by debutant Anca Zijlstra, who survived a multitude of match-darts to knock out three-time World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova. The contest began at a blistering pace. Zijlstra kicked off with a solid 18-darter, before the Russian responded with a cracking 61 checkout for an accomplished 15-darter.
Zijlstra, making her Lakeside debut, regained the initiative in the set with a classy 72 finish and a strong 14-dart hold. The World Number 14 missed a plethora of darts at double to win the set, before eventually securing the set in the decider, via D8.
Dobromyslova was typically tenacious and bounced back to win the second set, although she was struggling for her usual consistency on D20 and D10 in particular. Despite this, she then established a commanding advantage in the third set, and appeared poised to secure victory.
Nevertheless, Zijlstra prolonged the contest by hitting D10, before converting a fabulous 122 checkout to force a dramatic last-leg decider. Both ladies were understandably affected by nerves, but it was the Dutch star who prevailed, sealing the triumph on D1, after Anastasia had missed the same target just moments earlier.
Lisa Ashton (27.89) 2 - 0 (22.33) Paula Jacklin
Reigning World Champion Lisa Ashton began the defence of her title with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Paula Jacklin. The Lancashire ace posted two maximums and averaged 83.67, to progress to the quarter-finals, where she could face 9-time World Champion Trina Gulliver.
Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.
Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.
