Rhys Griffin defeated Karel Sedlacek in the first round of the World Darts Championship. The Welshman took advantage of many of the Czech’s unsuccessful doubles, ultimately winning the match 3-0.
Sedlacek started the match with a spectacular 122 hit. Griffin had several chances to equalize, but he didn’t take advantage of too many shots for a double, the Czech took advantage of this gift by hitting a double 10.
The Welshman got back to 2-1 after a 15-darter and, with the support of two 180s, tied the score in the fourth game with a double 4. In the decisive fifth game, Griffin shot his fourth 180 of the match and made it a double 16 after 15 shots. Happy Gilmore threw this dart with one dart to complete his comeback set.
In the second set, Sedlacek won the first match again, this time scoring 64 points and double 16. “Evil Charlie” had chances to go 2-0 in the legs, but they failed to take advantage of them. Griffin waited for the double eight, cheered up the crowd a bit, and then hit the third dart.
The Welshman continued to dominate in scoring and led 2-1 after 15 shots. Sedlacek got back to 2-2, but after four missed set pieces, the second set was also out of his hands when Griffin converted a double 10.
In the third set, Griffin quickly took a 2-0 lead on 14-darter and 15-darter legs. Sedlacek simply couldn’t keep up with the Welshman and was unable to make a great comeback. The 27-year-old finally sealed the match with a 13-darter.
Rhys Griffin now has Sunday off before returning to Alexandra Palace on Monday afternoon, December 23. “Happy Gilmore” will then face Northern Irishman Josh Rock in the second round.
