David Pallett bows out in a worlds thriller

The Shropshire thrower, who dumped out 12th seed Kim Huybrechts in the first round, suffered defeat to Mensur Suljovic in a seven-set thriller.

Both players missed attempts at doubles for the perfect leg, but it was Austrian star Suljovic who progressed at Alexandra Palace in London.

After six sets were shared, 2015 World Grand Prix and Players' Championship semi-finalist Suljovic showed his class to win the final set, completing the victory with an 84 finish on the bull.

Suljovic said: "David is such a great player and at one point I thought 'I hate this guy and I'm going to lose this match.'

"But I never give up and I'm really happy that I came back and ended up winning."

He kick-started the contest with a brilliant 160 checkout, defying a 180 from Pallett, who levelled by taking out 64. The next three legs also went with the throw, as Suljovic edged the opening set.

Pallett came back in the next set, a 120 checkout in the fourth leg securing the first break of the game and the set.

He then took out 81 to break before pinning double 16 and landing tops to make it six legs on the spin and move a set in front.

Suljovic missed double 18 for a nine-dart finish, but he made up for the disappointment by taking the set and levelling.

The Austrian punished Pallett for missing four set-darts by taking out 64 to edge 3-2 ahead.

Telford & Wrekin Council worker Pallett, 25, then set up a nine-dart attempt of his own, hitting back-to-back 180s before missing double 12 for the 141 combination.

He eventually went out in 12 darts, before a sixth 180 helped him restore match parity and force a deciding set.

Pallett broke Suljovic's throw in the opening leg, thanks to a 180 and 81 finish. The Austrian ace then punished Pallett for two missed darts at double eight by cleaning up 102.

He then landed double eight to move within a leg of victory and he finished 84 on the bull to reach the last 16 for the second time.