World Championship star chucks dart to the floor in fury and makes gesture to Ally Pally crowd
Thibault Tricole went through an emotional rollercoaster in his match
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Thibault Tricole became the first Frenchman to win a match at the World Darts Championship on Monday evening, but he was far from pleased about the way he progressed.
Speaking ahead of his first-round match against Mario Vandenbogaerde, Tricole admitted that playing at the Alexandra Palace was a momentous occasion and he would have to mentally prepare for the moment.
And the Frenchman got off to a strong start as he raced to a 2-0 lead in the opening set.
But nerves appeared to set in as he struggled to see off the set with Vandenbogaerde reeling off three consecutive legs to take the advantage.
Thibault Tricole throws away his dart in frustration despite winning his first set 😠 pic.twitter.com/AWsUSKE82q
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The second set proved to be another tight contest with a deciding leg needed and Vandenbogaerde missed his chance to take a 2-0 lead.
Tricole then missed his first attempt at double tops but got it on his second to take his first set of the tournament.
But he was clearly frustrated at the way he was playing as the 34-year-old chucked his last remaining dart to the ground.
Tricole then slapped his hands together in anger before giving a thumbs down to the crowd.
Vandenbogaerde failed to recover from that set loss with Tricole going on to win the next two and progress to the next round.
Tricole said: "Of course I'm proud [to be the first Frenchman to win at the World Championships].
"Mario is a good friend of mine so it was very strange for me and for him.
"I enjoyed his mistakes. He didn't play his best game but [neither did I], but a win is a win.
"It was the first time for him and for me, so it was OK. I'm so proud to be here. It was a good win for [French darts]."
Thibault Tricole is the first Frenchman to win at the WDC
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Tricole chose to compete at this year's World Darts Championships over a return to Lakeside for the WDF.
And the Frenchman has been rewarded with a second-round match against former world champion Rob Cross, which he admitted was "his goal".
"My first goal was to just win the first game and now it's done," he added.
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"I've never played Rob. I know I play quickly sometimes and I did mistakes when I play quickly.
"I know Rob plays slowly so I need to adapt my rhythm against him, but I have nothing to lose so I think I will be better against him."
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