Lourence Ilagan was left red-faced in his audacious attempt to land a checkout – and it ended up costing him his PDC World Championship dream.
The 47-year-old was leading Cristo Reyes 2-0 in the first to three sets in their opening round clash at Alexandra Palace in 2020.
Ilagan had a checkout chance to get himself back in the setSky Sports He bizarrely opted to throw three double 20s in a row, which didn’t go to planSky SportsBut one cheeky moment ultimately proved to be his downfall, as he bowed out of the prestigious event at the first hurdle as he ended up losing 3-2.
In the third set, with ‘The Gunner’ down a leg, the Filipino star had the chance to hold throw when presented with a 120 checkout opportunity.
The conventional approach would be for a darts player to go triple 20, single 20 and then double 20.
Instead, he went for the unorthodox – and brazen – method of hitting tops on three successive throws.
He hit the first one, but then hit a single 20, before missing the board with his final attempt.
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, four-time World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said: “No way, no way!
“That’s the Jose de Sousa way. I can’t believe the audacity.”
To say Ilagan’s gamble backfired would be an understatement.
Reyes then returned to the oche – needing 15 – which he managed first time after hitting single three and then double six.
It put him 2-0 up after stealing a break – and he was quick to let Ilagan know what he thought.
Ilagan hit just one double 20, allowing Reyes to win the second leg of the third setSky Sports Reyes was quick to mock Ilagan after his rival failed in his checkout attemptSky SportsInstantly turning around, the Spaniard put three fingers up – signalling the three throws Ilagan had attempting to get double 20.
He then put one finger up, before then pointing at his rival – mocking his failed attempts.
And just before he went to collect his two darts off the board, Reyes then put his hand in the air in a sign of disapproval at Ilagan’s cheeky plan.
His gesture was instantly spotted by commentator Mardle, who exclaimed: “What on earth?
“Oh he’s antagonised him! He’s annoyed! ‘Three tops! Three tops he went for!’ He did, yes.”
That wasn’t the only odd incident from their battle, as Reyes had snubbed Ilagan’s handshake offer after the first set.
Reyes pointed towards Ilagan to let him know what he thought at his attemptSky SportsView Tweet: t.co/RtZinYcdHl
Reyes missed seven darts to win the set, with Ilagan pinching the opener before extending his hand, which the 37-year-old rejected.
Speaking of the spurned handshake after his thrilling comeback win, Reyes remarked: “‘I said, ‘No chance.’
“I will not shake the hand now, I shake the hand if you beat me, it’s OK.
“I’m not shaking the hand in the first set after I miss seven darts, sorry to Lourence, he’s a good friend, but the players don’t have friends in the game.
Reyes, who lost his PDC Tour card in 2021, would lose in the second round at Ally Pally to Adrian Lewis in what his final World Championship outing.
As for Ilagan, he has appeared in every World Championship since losing to Reyes, but hasn’t progressed past the second round.
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