John Half
Darts Analyst & Columnist @DarthMaple180
Darting celebrity Scott Williams takes on his observe accomplice Rob Cross on Friday afternoon from 12.30pm I Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship – stay on Sky Sports activities Darts – during to the ultimate on January 3
Final Up to date: 23/12/22 7:02am
John Half felt Williams’ efficiency was a stage above anybody else and backs the underdog to entertain for the rest of the event
John Half felt Williams’ efficiency was a stage above anybody else and backs the underdog to entertain for the rest of the event
Wayne Mardle and John Half hailed the efficiency of darting celebrity Scott Williams with ‘Darth Maple’ anticipating his conflict with Rob Cross to be extremely entertaining.
Williams produced the efficiency of the event up to now to beat Ryan Joyce in a first-round thriller at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.
The 32-year-old, nicknamed ‘Shaggy’ hit 10 180s, averaged over a ton and took out a 164 finish on his way to a 3-1 success, regardless of Joyce averaging 103.04.
“I believe Rob is basically coming again into this sport and I do not need to lose both of these. We’ll lose one”
John Half on Williams vs Cross
Williams stated ‘there isn’t any level in feeling nervous’ after he got here by means of a humdinger towards Joyce
‘Hawaii 501’ Mardle renamed Williams, who is thought for sporting vivid yellow outfits on the stage, ‘The Entertainer’ following his exuberant celebrations and self-assertive persona.
Three-time former world champion Half was impressed by Williams’ efficiency and is already trying ahead to his conflict with observe accomplice Cross on Friday afternoon.
“The extent of play was one thing we hadn’t seen but. That was our first actual high-octane darts match with 110 averages for a very long time in that match,” stated Half.
“Ryan was having fun with it simply as a lot as Scott however ultimately Scott warmed down. He simply had that little edge and that perception that he would end the winner.
“He did not have the upper common, however he had a variety of different spectacular stats. He was 10 of 18 on doubles and an unimaginable quantity of 180s.
“A very powerful factor is hitting these doubles and the 164 to win the set. You may’t fault him and he is received each proper to be fairly assured entering into towards his pal Rob Cross. He is simply received to maintain doing the identical factor.
“Rob Cross has the identical thought course of regardless that he isn’t as outgoing about it as possibly Scott is however they’re constructed the identical method, they assume the identical method. It needs to be actually entertaining.
“I believe Rob is basically coming again into this sport and I do not need to lose both of these. We’ll lose one.”
‘This boy can play darts!’ Watch Williams pile in fifth most earlier than taking out 164 for a sensational 12-dart leg towards Joyce
Williams and Joyce performed out one of many highest customary first spherical encounters seen on the Ally Pally stage.
Former quarter-finalist Joyce was not sufficient to defy 2022 breakout star Williams on his strategy to an impressive debut victory.
Williams introduced himself with a median simply shy of 116 to take the opening set, earlier than Joyce hit again in equally-impressive type.
Although Joyce continued to common over 112 for a lot of the competition, Williams crucially received the set three decider to regain the lead.
Williams hits 10 180s and averaged over a ton on his strategy to a 3-1 success
Joyce took the lead within the fourth, however Williams responded with a trio of legs to arrange a gathering with former world champion Cross.
“I felt superior right now and that got here out on the stage, I do know what I am able to,” stated Williams.
“The primary set I felt completely improbable, then unexpectedly I began lacking however then fortunately it got here again.
“There is not any level being nervous as a result of it is only a job. It is how I earn a residing and it is one thing that I have been doing for a few years and I have been actually good. I felt superior right now.
“I have been training with Rob [Cross] just lately and he was completely different gravy. He is been taking part in like he did when he received the Worlds however I’ve beat him earlier than.
“We’re good mates behind the scenes however we’re each right here to do a job, it needs to be an excellent sport.”
Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship – stay on Sky Sports activities Darts – by means of to the ultimate on January 3.
