Nicky Kenny Says He Was Shaking Like A Leaf But Holds His Nerve On Dream World Champs Debut

Nick Kenny won six legs in a row to make a stunning William Hill World Darts Championship debut at London’s Alexandra Palace.

The 27-year-old from Cwmbran came from 2-1 down in sets to win 3-2 against Dutch darter Derk Telnekes.

Kenny will now meet another Dutchman, Jermaine Wattimena, in the second round.

“I’ve never won a game at a World Championship before so I’m really happy,” said Kenny.

My practice darts were unreal. I was hitting 180s for fun, I thought I was going to hit a couple of nine darters.

“Then when we went up on stage I was shaking like a leaf. I thought where has this come from.

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“But once I won the second set, I thought ‘yeah, come on then.’

“Now I can enjoy my debut.

“My dream was to play here, at Ally Pally against all the big guns.

“I know I’m quite good and I’ve beaten a few good players on the tour.

“When I win one game I seem to win a few – that is the plan.”

Gerwyn Price is action tomorrow with Jonny Clayton beginning his quest on Sunday night.

Civil servant Kenny kept his cool on his first appearance on the biggest stage in darts.

Despite trailing 1-0 and then 2-1, he saw off Telnekes winning six successive legs.

Jonny Clayton gets his campaign underway on Sunday evening with a second round match against John Henderson.

The Pontyberem thrower had a first round bye as did World Cup winning team-mate Gerwyn Price.

World No 3 Price faces Jamie Lewis in an all-Wales tie on Monday.