Darts: Warriner edges past Harding
Alan Warriner produced a gutsy performance to book his place in the second round of the Skol World Championship in Purfleet today.
The number one seed, who won the World Grand Prix title in Ireland last month, battled to a 4-2 win over Reg Harding but he was pushed all the way by the Sussex thrower.
Harding started with a 140 and took the opening leg with his third attempt at double 10.
But the ‘Ice Man’, who clinched his first major title with an 8-2 win over Dutchman Roland Scholten in Dublin, hit back immediately to level the score. And after winning a scrappy third leg, Warriner eventually claimed the first set with double 10.
Warriner struggled to find the consistency which enabled him to dominate opponents in Ireland, but Harding also failed to capitalise on the few opportunities which came his way during a poor second set.
With the score tied at 2-2, Harding missed six attempts to clinch the set and Warriner accepted the opening to double his advantage.
Veteran Harding, the number 27 seed, fought back in the next to move 2-1 ahead before Warriner replied with a 120 checkout.
However, Harding held his nerve to find double 10 and the relief on his face was clear for all to see.
In a see-saw battle, both players shared the next four legs before Warriner regained a two-set cushion with a successful attempt at double 16.
Warriner eased into a 2-0 lead in the fifth but Harding raised the roof at the Circus Tavern with a brilliant comeback.
After levelling the score at 2-2, Harding produced a 120 checkout to put the pressure back on Warriner.
However, it was Warriner who showed coolness under pressure to edge the sixth set 3-2 and take the match.
A relieved Warriner said: ‘‘I was always in command but I let too many legs slip through silly doubles and bad scoring.
‘‘I had to keep digging in. I’ve got three days off now so I will just relax.
‘‘My game is very good at the moment but that performance was below par.’’
