Joe Chaney’s return to the World Championship stage ended in disappointment as he was edged out by Ben Hazel in an entertaining and high-quality first-round clash.

Highlight of the first set was a brilliant 142 check from Chaney, but with all five legs going with the throw, it was first blood to the Englishman.  Hazel’s lead was doubled thanks to a 3-1 win in the second.

The first three legs of the third all went against the throw before the man from Chattanooga posted a timely 12-darter (100, 180, 140, 81) to clinch the set.  Three swift legs, topped off by a nice 120 checkout tied the score.

2-1 ahead in the fifth, and the US #1 had a shot at 151 for the match.  The first dart T20 went in, but the T17 didn’t, and Hazel made it 2-2.  Ben then nosed in front, but Joe took out 76 to make it 3-3.  Sadly, that was the last double that “Chanesaw” was destined to hit, and the Bedfordshire county player secured a second round clash with Gary Robson.

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