By Alex Moss
27 DECEMBER 2016 • 6:31PM
Mark Webster, Daryl Gurney and Dave Chisnall all moved into the third round of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace this afternoon.
The £1,650,000 tournament returned today after the Christmas break with the first of two sessions this afternoon, which saw three more players book their places in the last 16.
Former BDO world champion Webster survived a brave comeback from eighth seed Mensur Suljovic to win 4-3, having earlier been 3-1 in front in the best of seven sets contest.
In a match which included an incredible 86 missed attempts at doubles, the 25th seed held his nerve by winning the seventh set 3-0 to move into the third round, where he will play Northern Ireland’s Gurney for a place in the quarter-finals.
“There were moments of brilliance and some moments of mediocrity,” Webster said.
“I didn’t play great but I kept steady and I hit my doubles well in the last set and that’s what won me the game.
“I’ve practiced really hard for this. I’m going to be an underdog for the next game and I’ll relish it.”
Gurney continued his push towards the top 16 in the PDC with a hard-fought 4-3 win over ninth seed Robert Thornton in the second game of the afternoon.
The former European Tour finalist made a flying start by winning the first seven legs, before Thornton hit back to lead 3-2 in sets.
But Gurney was not to be denied his first appearance in the last 16 at Alexandra Palace, as he won six of the last seven legs to win 4-3 in sets.
“I’m so pleased to get through,” he said. “I’ve never got past this stage before and I’m really pleased to get that monkey off my back.
“It feels so good and is such a relief. I knew the good darts would come from Robert and they did.
“I was very nervous towards the end but I did it and I’m over the moon.”
Seventh seed Chisnall ended the hopes of debutant Chris Dobey in the final game of the afternoon session, claiming six of the last seven legs to run out a 4-2 winner.
Chisnall, who has never been beyond the third round in five World Championship campaigns at the Alexandra Palace, fired in six 180s and a 110 checkout on his way to victory.
“I had to dig deep again – a bit like in my first game,” Chisnall said.
“I’ve not really got going yet. I’ve managed to do the job twice so I’m happy and I know that there is more to come.”
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