Robert Owen celebrated his first PDC World Darts Championships a win that could have one more on his mind will come in the third round if he can make it that far while retaining his Tour card.
Owen, also known as “Stack Attack”, celebrated wildly when he lost Niels Zonneveld who was part of the in-form contingent ahead of Ally Pally’s showcase, but the Welshman kept alive his hopes of not going to Q-School by going on to clear 121 to win.
He also came from a situation where he found himself in a real reentry clinic when he went through it. He joined the squad late and will now face Gabriel Clemens, who has been in great form on stage but hasn’t played well for most of the year.
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Zonneveld was in command to start the tie, winning the first set in three unanswered games, putting Owen in trouble early in this must-win tie. But Owen responded decisively. Much like winning, there was plenty of upside when his back was to the wall that had done it.
He hit 101 in the deciding match to restore parity to 1-1. From there he grabbed the match by the neck. These were the next sets in which he scored the third 3-1 and took a 2-1 lead. However, this was after Zonneveld wasted chances in most of the match to establish himself, including the one that put Owen ahead.
In the final set of the match, Owen led 2-1 and one away. But Zonneveld sent it all the way. He left 76 to try and get a shot for the match himself. However, Owen scored a brilliant 121, instead of a bull, on a double 14 fine-dotted.
Kasa much loved by his compatriot Jonny Clayton, although via a different route, another Welshman will play later in Gerwyn Price and will be hoping that Owen’s victory will be reflected in his first match tonight.
