Hankey’s happy with first salvo
Monday 4th January 2010, 10:51AM GMT.
Shropshire darter Ted Hankey began the defence of his BDO world title in ominous form as he cruised into the second round at the Lakeside.
Hankey, from Aqueduct in Telford, whitewashed England’s Gary Robson 3-0 with an impressive performance that took just 30 minutes to complete on Saturday evening.
The Count recorded a healthy three-dart average of 92.52 and hit four maximum 180s as he set up a meeting with Holland’s Willy van de Wiel in the next round.
Van de Wiel secured his passage with a shock 3-2 win over the No 12 seed and 2001 champion John ‘Boy’ Walton.
But it was Hankey’s classy show that had the pundits purring as he goes in search of a third world crown, having also taken the title back in 2000.
“I know I am capable of doing it and I felt good out there,” he said.
“The first few legs were a bit shaky but I was there to do a job and I knew what I had to do.
“The big thing was the way I finished and I was impressed with myself.
“When this draw was made, I said to everybody that it was the best line-up I’d ever seen at the Lakeside,” he added. “But I’m confident I can do it again, though I’m looking no further than my next game.”
Four seeds did fall on the first day – with Walton joined by Alan Norris, Joey ten Berge and Ian Waite.
And the shocks continued yesterday as Darryl Fitton, Martin Atkins and Mark Barilli all fell at the first hurdle.
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