Disappointment for Duleek teenager - but he'll be back

Duleek darts player Keane Barry will today be coming to terms with his defeat to Canadian Jeff Smith in the PDC World Championships in the Alexandra Palace in London last night.

Barry rarely showed his real talent as he struggled to get the better of the experienced Smith as the sport's showpiece event of the year kicked off amid a blaze of publicity.

Barry missed 22 out of 30 darts at double but the Canadian was far more clinical and earned a place against England's Chris Dobey in the second round.

The young Meathman hit a 180 as he won the opening leg but missed five darts to take the second before Smith, also known as the Silencer, took his chances to grab the first set 3-1.

The Duleek teenager had a shot to claim the second set, but missed the double on a 158 outshot, allowing Smith to clean up 80 and put himself within three legs of the match.

Barry claimed the third set 3-2 with a 14-dart fifth leg but Smith, a former BDO World Championship finalist, showed his composure by going on to seal the victory.

"I'm happy with that win tonight. When I got drawn against Keane I knew it would be a tough match and he put me under real pressure there," said Smith.

Barry, 18, earned his PDC tour card last September and is planning to play on the professional circuit in 2021.

The experience he will gain in taking on the best players in the world on a regular basis is sure to improve his game and there can be little doubt the highly talented young Duleek player will be back in action in the Ally Pally in the coming years.