BRICKLAYER James Hurrell cemented his spot in the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship – and is in the mix for a deep run.
The former BDO star has laid down his trowel this Christmas and taken time off the building site to focus on Ally Pally.
Focusing on his arrows has helped the world No.63 break new ground as he threw TEN 180s and nailed a showman 132 finish – two bullseye shots plus a double 16 – to knock out big Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 3-2.
Thankfully, it means No.29 seed Van Duijvenbode’s ear-splitting Dutch techno walk-on song does not have to be heard again this month.
Hillbilly, 41, has banked £35,000 so far, and he said: “I work for my uncle on the trowel. I’ve had a few months off now to prep.
“He’s a good gaffer, my uncle, a good lad. Quality.
“I won’t go to work before my next game but I will in the New Year. Well, it depends on how I get on.
“I can have time off whenever I want it. I can practice and go to work when I want.
“That’s the first time I’ve won two games on the trot on that stage. It’s massive.
“I sorted my head out backstage and slapped myself on the backside after losing the first set.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
“My confidence is amazing and my practice has been perfect. I can beat anyone as long as I hit my doubles and keep my head.”
German No.2 Ricardo Pietreczko survived a match dart as he fought off the Dave Chisnall comeback to progress 3-2.
World Darts Championship 2025/26 – all the info
LUK OUT!
Swede Andreas Harrysson, who sports a long and bushy grey beard, sent Motomu Sakai back to Japan with a 3-0 win.
Englishman Ryan Searle dropped just two legs as he was a 3-0 winner over Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan.
