RON MEULENKAMP fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Diogo Portela 3-2 in the first round of the 2018/19 William Hill World Darts Championship.
Starring in his second World Championship, Brazilian Portela made a flying start, sealing a 3-0 whitewash in the opening set with an 11-dart leg, before back-to-back 14-darters helped him double his lead.
Meulenkamp, who struck eight 180s in the contest, hit back with legs of 14, 12 and 13 darts to win the third set 3-1, and followed it up with another strong set to take the tie to a decider.
The opening three legs of the fifth set all went against throw, with Meulenkamp leading 2-1 before, at the eighth attempt, the Dutchman found double three to seal the win and set up a second round meeting with Michael Smith.
Match Stats
Averages:
Meulenkamp - 93.56
Portela - 92.12
180s:
Meulenkamp - 8
Portela - 3
Highest Finish:
Meulenkamp - 124
Portela - 92
100+ Checkouts:
Meulenkamp - 1
Portela - 0
Finishing:
Meulenkamp - 10/36
Portela - 9/23
