Fallon Sherrock has failed to progress through the PDC World Championship first round after losing 3-1 to Jermaine Wattimena.
When the draw was made, it was felt that the former Grand Slam of Slam quarter-finalist had been given a favourable draw with Wattimena now outside of the world's top 50.
However, it was the Dutchman who came through Sunday's clash at Alexandra Palace, overturning an early deficit to capitalise on an inconsistent performance from his opponent.
In a high-level first set that featured 12 140s and three maximums, Sherrock edged a decider, but she was a shadow of that player in sets two and three as Wattimena went in front.
WONDERFUL WATTIMENA GOES THROUGH!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2023
Big pressure match dealt with by Wattimena as he sees off Fallon Sherrock 3-1 to reach the Second Round!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/ONn7chkKVH
The fourth was also relatively one-sided until Sherrock put on a sustained scoring spurt to put herself on the brink of forcing a fifth and final set.
Instead, he squandered three darts for the set and watched Wattimena take out 110, before he ruthlessly closed the match out in the following leg.
Meanwhile, Luke Humphries - one of the pre-tournament favourites - came through with a 3-0 victory over former doubles partner Lee Evans.
Although Evans hit a 170 checkout and led 2-0 in the third set, world number three Humphries will be satisfied with six 180s and a competitive encounter to get his campaign up and running.
Darren Plant
