MARK WEBSTER 2-1 ANDY HAMILTON

MARK WEBSTER 2-1 ANDY HAMILTON
(2-3, 3-2, 3-0)
MARK WEBSTER came from a set down to defeat Andy Hamilton 2-1 on his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix debut on Tuesday night.

The left-hander, who narrowly missed out on qualification for the double-start tournament a year ago, impressed in his first appearance on the Citywest Hotel stage with a battling performance.

Hamilton shaded a tight first set, with neither player able to break throw as Webster landed a 14-darter before the Stoke ace took the deciding leg on double eight after his opponent missed a dart at double top for a 112 finish.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Webster following an earlier 177 score with his first 180 of the game in leg three, while Hamilton finished 74 and 48 to level at two-all.

Webster, though, produced the killer blow by winning the fifth leg with a brilliant 124 bullseye finish to send the game into a third set.

He broke for the first time in the game on double eight in the opener, and recovered from missing six opening doubles to win the second before sealing the set, and victory, on double ten in the third.

"It was a tough game," said Webster. "Andy's a great player and it was a brilliant game.

"I don't think Andy did much wrong but I put a lot of pressure on him. I enjoyed it and thought it was a good advert for the game.

"This time last year I was a bit bitter about not being in the tournament but that was my own fault and I'm determined to make up for it this year.

"I've got Alan Tabern next and he's got a bit of a lease of life after his fightback because he thought he should have gone out to Dave Chisnall. I did something similar in the UK Open when I came back and went on to reach the semis and he'll be thinking the same. I'm sure it will be a good game."

Match Stats

Mark Webster	2-1	Andy Hamilton
23	100+	13
6	140+	7
1	180	1
30.30	Ave1	26.63
90.90	Ave3	79.89
2	Breaks of Throw	0
124	High Finish	74
13/27 - 48%	Starting Doubles	13/39 - 33%
8/18 - 44%	Finishing Doubles	5/12 - 42%