The Florida pairing of Paula Murphy and Jim Widmayer were back at the famed Lakeside Country Club today for their second round matches – and they’ll both be back later in the week!

Let’s start with Paula… After an impressive display against the dangerous Almudena Fajardo in Round One, it wasn’t likely to be any easier today against #8 seed, Anca Zijlstra. To be fair, Paula’s performance wasn’t quite up to the standard she set in her first match, but it was more than enough to win her a place in the quarter-finals.

Opening a 2-0 lead in the first set, a poor third leg from the Jacksonville native allowed Zijlstra back in to take the third, but a first-throw 133 gave Paula the advantage. Followed a couple of shots later by a ton, it was enough to see her clinch the set.

The Dutch girl broke serve in the first leg of the second, only for the 9-time ADO National Champ to break straight back. The pair traded the next two legs, this time winning WITH the darts. This meant that Murphy was throwing for the set, and aided by yet another 133, another American triumph was assured. Paula now has a few days of well-earned rest before she plays again.

Jim Widmayer’s opponent was the very experienced Scot, Mark Barilli, who was seeded #9.

Wid kicked off in style, posting scores of 99, 140, 133, in his first three turns. Even a bust on the required 72 didn’t hurt him, as he finished it in two darts next handful. The American raced down to 90 after just 12 darts next leg, but he then struggle to close it out. Fortunately, Barilli wasn’t able to find the doubles either, and 1-0 became 2-0. One more leg, and it was 3-0!

So, three legs and the first set was done. Three more legs, and the second set was done. Widmayer was two sets to the good.

With the darts, the former Las Vegas Open Champ extended his lead, before Barilli eventually got on the board with a 16-darter. Widmayer held throw, and then wired a 64 check to seal victory. Barilli squared with a nice finish from 117. Throwing first in the decider, Widmayer opened with 96, 140, 133, and finished it off in 16 darts.

Jim now takes on Barilli’s fellow Scot Gary Stone next time. Stone recorded a 91.11 average in his 3-1 defeat of Swede Ricky Nauman.

Other winners today included Beau Greaves, who sailed past Lorraine Hyde in straight sets. Beau posted an 88.79 average, while Lorraine’s sole winning leg took just 15 darts. Top seed for the men, Andy Baetens (Belgium) took down Sebastian Bialecki 3-0, while James Richardson maintained his solid form to advance.

So, Leonard ‘Soulger’ Gates is in action last game tomorrow (Tuesday) night, and then we finally get to see Danny Lauby on Wednesday evening.

Full details from DartConnect

You must be logged in to post a comment Login