Meath's Keane Barry finds rhythm to book second round spot at World Darts Championship
First Images Fearn/getty At Darts His Barry Kim Picture: During Championship Clash With Round The World Keane James Huybrechts
Keane Barry won his opening round match against Kim Huybrechts at the World Darts Championship on Sunday. His reward is a second round clash with 2021 world champion Gerwyn Price on Monday.
Barry, who hails from Duleek in Meath and is ranked 52nd in the world, came from behind to win 3-1 against the 41st ranked Huybrechts.
The 39-year-od Belgian won the opening set but Barry then settled settled into the match.
"There was a good pace to the game," he told Sky Sports.
"After the first set, I felt like I was getting drawn in and throwing a bit too quick. After that, I slowed my throw down a little bit, just played my own game. I started to hit everything and everything went flying in. I'm delighted to win, over the moon."
A major turning point came in the second set when Barry hit a 108 checkout to level the match at 1-1.
Keane Barry produces a stunning performance to progress to the second round where he'll face Gerwyn Price 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wYCs42RfWT
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 15, 2024
"It was massive, a good confidence booster to get myself going," said Barry.
"Even after, in the third and fourth set, I felt really good."
Barry averaged 94.97 for the match, less than Huybrechts who hit 96.92. Crucially, Barry landed 50% of his doubles compared to Huybrechts' 26%.
Though he is playing in his sixth world championship, Barry is just 22. Sunday night's win was his third on the Alexandra Palace stage. He has never gone further than the second round.Â
"I just need to starting playing more like that on the floor," he said.
"It will all come. I'm feeling good in my game. Next year is a big year. If I keep pushing on and have more performances like that, I'll hopefully keep climbing up the rankings."