DEVON PETERSEN 4-3 JOSE DE SOUSA

DEVON PETERSEN defeated Jose de Sousa with a 4-3 victory in the preliminary round of the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

The 25-year-old South African, who won a Tour Card to play on the PDC circuit after competing in last year's World Championship, now faces Steve Brown later on Wedneday for a place in the last 32.

Portuguese debutant de Sousa hit a 180 in the opening leg, but three missed darts at doubles proved costly as Petersen landed double five to take the lead.

De Sousa, who won the West European Qualifier to seal a place in this event, hit a two-dart 83 finish to level before Petersen kicked-off the third with back-to-back maximums.

The South African was unable to land a seventh treble - which extinguished hopes of a nine-dart finish - but the leg was won on double eight as he led for the second time.

Petersen, who lost to Jamie Caven in last year's competition, hit a third 180 in the fourth leg, but missed five chances to secure a break of throw, allowing de Sousa to square the match.

De Sousa hit double eight to win the fifth leg against the darts but Petersen immediately broke back by taking out 61 to set up a deciding leg.

Petersen hit a fourth maximum to forge ahead in the final leg and an accurate attempt at double 16 secured victory and a place in the first round proper.