Lewis Makes History at the Ally Pally

Jamie Lewis made history by becoming the first preliminary round qualifier to reach the quarter-finals of the World Championships. The Cardigan ace recovered from losing the opening set to comfortably beat James Richardson 4-1 last night. Now Lewis, 27, plays Darren Webster this afternoon for a place in the semi-finals after an incredible run at the Ally Pally. He said: “I didn’t really play at the start like I did against Peter Wright. But it was all about just getting a win and I got the job done in the end. “It’s crazy when I got through the qualification in Milton Keynes I was just happy to get in. I didn’t really expect to get to the quarters but now I’m here I want to get further. “I obviously expected to play as well but I knew it was going to be a scrappy game.” Lewis and Webster are in fine form going into this last eight clash but whatever happens the Welsh wizard is confident going into 2018. He added: “I don’t think there will be nerves. I think Darren is the same as me, we’re both treating it as a good opportunity. I’m sure he’s thinking the same as I am. “We’ve both got a really good chance of getting to the semis, may the best man win. “It’s a massive confidence boost. I’m already looking forward to next season even if I didn’t get into this because leading up to that qualifier in Milton Keynes I changed a lot of things around and now I’m in the quarters of the Worlds. “Now hopefully this is going to be a stepping stone into next season, I think next year will be a good year for me.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia) Photography by Lawrence Lustig/PDC