Big John Pulls Through

JOHN HENDERSON 2-0 JUSTIN PIPE
(3-2, 3-2)
SCOTLAND'S John Henderson made a winning debut in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix, defeating Justin Pipe in straight sets to move into the second round.

Henderson's impressive debut year on the PDC circuit continued with the victory, as he brought Pipe crashing back down to earth a day after he defeated Phil Taylor in winning his first Players Championship on Sunday.

Henderson hit a 180 in winning the opening leg, before Pipe replied in kind before finishing 110 to level.

Henderson kicked off the third with a 160, with Pipe landing his second maximum in reply only to miss the bull as the Scot landed double ten for a 2-1 lead.

Pipe levelled in a scrappy fourth leg, with both players missing a host of doubles before the Taunton ace posted double one, but Henderson was first to a finish in the decider and hit tops for the set.

The Scot then took command in the second set, winning the first two legs on double nine and double ten to move a leg away from victory.

He missed a tricky bullseye chance in the third as Pipe scrambled in double 16 to stay in the game before defying a 180 frmo Henderson to hit double four and level the set after his opponent missed four further match darts.

Henderson, though, again prevailed in the deciding leg, taking out 100 on double top for a 15-darter to secure progression to the last 16.

"I'm delighted to have won that," said Henderson. "Justin came into the game in great form and I'd never beaten him before.

"He's hard to play against so it's a huge relief to have got the win, and I'll look forward to Wednesday now. The format's longer and I'll be able to relax and enjoy it."

Match Stats

Justin Pipe	0-2	John Henderson
16	100+	15
5	140+	8
2	180	2
25.45	Ave1	27.15
76.34	Ave3	81.44
110	High Finish	100
1	Breaks of Throw	2
10/25 - 40%	Starting Doubles	10/19 - 53%
4/18 - 22%	Finishing Doubles	6/31 - 19%