Limerick's William O'Connor bows out of PDC World Darts Championships at the 'Ally Pally'

CAPPAMORE man William O’Connor’s debut at the PDC World Championships ended in a 3-1 defeat to England’s Steve Beaton at the Alexandra Palace, London on Thursday night.

Thirty one-year-old O’Connor is sure to have gained enormous experience from his debut at the world’s biggest darts tournament which is televised live on Sky Sports.

Fifty three-year-old former world champion Beaton, making his 17th appearance in the event and 27th straight World Championship appearance, was outscored early on and only hit three 180s to O'Connor's five, but made the most of some shaky double hitting by the Irishman.

O'Connor missed a number of shots at double in the first after looking good with a 14-darter early on. The debutant found it hard to shake off the after effects of those misses as he lost the second.

The Limerick man regained his confidence to average 105 when taking out 97 and then 86 for a 13-darter to sweep the third set and get on the board at 2-1.

INCREDIBLE | O'Connor hits 115 to save his skin!#WHDarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/DWvjdsfAj5

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 14, 2017

Both men hit very good form in the fourth set but it was Beaton who took command before O'Connor took out a classy 155 checkout to stay alive before kicking in a 180 with the opening throw of the fourth leg.

Beaton responded with a 180 of his own, and it was the Bronzed Adonis who took out 52 to move on into the second round at Alexandra Palace.

Seventy two players from 24 countries are competing in the tournament for a  prize fund of stg£1.8million. The winner of the final which will take place on New Year’s Day will pocket a cheque for stg£400,000.