American dream alive at Ally Pally

Darin Young (Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

The American dream is very much alive at the William Hill World Darts Championship after United States duo Darin Young and Danny Baggish both impressed in the opening round at Alexandra Palace.

Young stole the headlines in his first round triumph against Raymond van Barneveld, defeating the Dutch legend in his final game before retiring as a professional, while Baggish out-battled Andy Boulton to reach round two.

Jeffrey de Zwaan lies in wait for Young on Tuesday - with the action shown live on DAZN - and is hoping to build on his stunning success over five-time World Champion Van Barneveld. 

"I'm feeling really excited about this tournament," said 46-year-old Young, who topped the CDC Order of Merit in 2019.

"It was a strange feeling beating Raymond because I was really happy with myself but felt slightly sorry for him - but it was as big a good moment for me as it was a bad one for him.

"I've put a lot of preparation in to this event and have practised a lot because I don't know how many more events I will have.

"I hadn't come here to just make up the numbers and I feel like there might be even bigger moments to come."

Danny Baggish (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

North American Darts Champion Baggish is gearing up for his clash Nathan Aspinall, who also tasted success in Las Vegas in the summer - winning the US Darts Masters, which will take place in New York for the first time in 2020. 

"It's a dream to even be here," said Baggish, following Sunday's 3-2 victory over Boulton.

"I watch this tournament every year and being here is just incredible, the atmosphere is amazing. 

"I want to play darts for a living and this is the start of me realising that dream. My aim is to make a good impact here and go to Qualifying School to get my Tour Card if needed.

"I can shock the world by beating Nathan and that is my target. Whatever happens I'm loving every minute."

The World Series of Darts visits New York on June 5-6 2020 when the US Darts Masters takes place in The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden - Click here to buy tickets

World Series of Darts - New York