TheOche.com

The following article was written and graciously submitted by Phill Catterick, a freelance writer based in Staffordshire. Phill may be contacted by email.

The 2008 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship claimed its first scalp last night at the Alexandra Palace with reigning champion John Part sent packing after going down 3-0 to American qualifier Bill Davis in the first round.

Part, twice World Champion in the PDC said he had a `great chance` of retaining his title prior to the match, but the pressure was certainly affecting him, and failed to produce the type of performance that helped him win the title last year, and was beaten convincingly by a player who many would have given absolutely no chance.

After losing the first set after a slow start, the Canadian seemed to be clawing his way back into the match after hitting four maximums in two legs, but even that didn�t save him after missing FIVE darts at double 18 to take the second set.

Davis took the opportunity well, hitting double top with his very first dart, and went into the break knowing just one set would send the `darth maple` packing.

Part refused to give in though and returned with a renewed sense of determination, and infact had a dart at double top to take a set back, but he missed again, and Davis hit double ten to record one of the greatest shocks in the championship�s history.

The qualifier from Philadelphia was clearly delighted after the match, although gracious in victory saying,

�The truth of the matter is on the day, anybody can beat anybody, he just had a bad day. You cannot prepare for this, anything can happen, it�s a great game!�

The averages for both players were less than impressive, but with Part leaving the capital before Christmas; it will surely give the outsiders enormous belief as they take on the rest of the elite in their first round encounters.

Many personalities within the game predicted there would be no repeat of the antics last year which saw the unknown Kirk Shepherd advance to the final, only to be beat at the final hurdle.

However, with Part out and in the process removing one of the favourites for the championship, who would bet against a new name appearing on the trophy when 2009 comes round?