Published: Wed 20 Dec 2023, 9:49 AM
Hopes of causing a Christmas surprise at Alexandra Palace were dashed for Duleek's Keane Barry last night as he exited the PDC World Darts Championship at the second hurdle when losing to three-time champion Michael Van Gerwen.
The 3-0 defeat is a harsh scoreline for the Meath man as he was in a strong position in many of the legs, but a combination of missed doubles and excellent finishing by van Gerwen proved decisive.
Barry, who defeated Reynaldo Rivera in his opener on Saturday, matched the hot favourite Van Gerwen in the scoring stakes, registering three maximums and 10 140s but hit just two of 16 shots at a double.
By contrast, the Dutchman was ruthlessly efficient in closing out legs, landing a 167 checkout when trailing the second set 1-0, a mortal blow from which Barry never recovered.
Van Gerwen proceeded to take the second set and swept the third to progress.
The world no. 2 knows there is room for improvement but is happy to be in the next round.
"I'm a little disappointed with my scoring, the most important thing is I won my first game," he said during his on-stage interview.
"You don’t want to let yourself down, you have to fight for every leg, and when things like the 167 work it gives you a great boost.
"It’s the first round of the World Championship no one wants to lose, there is pressure on me, like there is all the top boys. The most important thing is I’m back after Christmas."
Published: Wed 20 Dec 2023, 9:49 AM
