Unheralded South African Grant Sampson capitalised on a wretched performance from Keane Barry to record a 3-1 win and advance to the second round at the World Darts Championship.Both players struggled for form throughout the contest at Alexandra Palace, with world number 45 Barry posting a three-dart average of 78.35 and a checkout percentage of 22.9%.
Sampson's stats were even worse, with a three-dart average of 77.29 and a checkout percentage of 22.7%.The world number 211 had needed to use crowdfunding to help pay for his flight from Cape Town and he travelled to the venue on the bus.By reaching the next stage, where he meets Kim Huybrechts on Friday night, he pocketed £15,000.He said: "I am still pumped with adrenaline.
That was amazing. Back home we only play in front of 50 people so playing in front of a crowd like that was beautiful."All my dreams came true by qualifying so I had nothing to lose.
I am really proud, it is the biggest night of my life, I won't be able to sleep."Tyrone's Nathan Rafferty, who had his appendix removed last week, edged out Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena.