Kelso’s Ryan is dumped from world championship

Ryan (27) was defeated by four sets to nil at Indigo in The O2 by Welshman Jim Williams, who was the tournament favourite going into the game and takes on Paul ‘Crocodile Dundee’ Hogan tonight in the quarter-finals.

The Borders ace won just four legs as Williams (35), nicknamed ‘The Quiff’, hit three 100-plus finishes on his way to victory.

The number two seed hit a couple of 180s, as did Ryan, but a key difference was in the finishing, as Williams hit 50 per cent of his doubles and ‘Headhunter’ Ryan managed 28 per cent.

Ryan, seeded 15, was wearing a sleeve bandage on his right throwing arm to nurse a tendon injury. He made a useful-looking start but appeared to be distracted by an onlooker as he was throwing for a 72 finish in the opening leg – which Williams eventually won.

Television commentators on the Eurosport channel observed that Williams was “strolling” and looked “more at ease”, despite some bright moments here and there for Ryan.

However, the Welshman, who averaged 94, checked out from 101, 121 and 122 in the course of the game and registered two 12-dart legs in the third set.

Ryan won the opening leg in set four, with the aid of a maximum 180, but Williams came back again and wrapped up a 14-dart leg, with a finish on double 12, to take the match.