In a gruelling contest of two players with contrasting speeds, it was Keane Barry who prevailed over Reynaldo River (3-1) to set up a second round tie with Michael van Gerwen.
With Rivera breaking throw in 22 darts in the opening leg, it's fair to say it was a nervy start from both early doors. Kicking off leg 2 with a 180, Rivera seemed to have settled somewhat but seven missed darts at double from the Filipino allowed Barry a chance to level and that he did. The contrast in styles between the rapid Barry and the more methodical Rivera seemed to causing the Irishman difficulties but courtesy of a brilliant 120 finish it was Barry who took the set.
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Both players were visibly struggling on the outer ring and as such, both were consistently getting chances. After a gruelling set that went all the way to a decider, it was Barry who was smiling. Rivera missed two darts for the set and a level game as Barry moved to one set away from the third round.
With Barry passing up five chances at double in the first leg of the third set, Rivera punished this time to take the leg for himself. Holding throw in leg 2, Rivera pulled two clear in the set. Ruthlessly pinning 60 in two darts in the next leg, Rivera had a set on the board.
Rebounding in the fourth set, Barry finally began to hit his stride, breaking throw in the opening leg then holding to move just one leg away from the win. Rivera would keep himself alive by holding throw in the next leg, but Barry sealed the deal with a 62 checkout to book his spot in the second round.
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