Daryl Gurney made hard work of it but eventually claimed a surprise victory over Mensur Suljovic at the World Grand Prix in Dublin.
The Derry man, currently ranked at 28 in the world, missed five match darts in the final set and looked a beaten docket as last year’s semi-finalist Suljovic (11) drew the game level.
But, against the throw, Gurney hit his fifth maximum of the evening to set up an outshot of 92, which he claimed on double 12.
It’s the first time the Northern Ireland international has reached the second round in three appearances at the PDC major and he will face Steve West (52), who was a surprise 2-1 victor over 11-time winner Phil Taylor.
“It’s very satisfying, I’m over the moon,” Gurney said. “Very pleased to get over the finishing line.”
WINNER! Another seed sent crashing here as Brendan Dolan beats Peter Wright. #Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/wC2ydGLo30
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) October 3, 2016
Fermanagh’s Brendan Dolan (23) also took a huge scalp at the Citywest venue as he defeated Peter Wright, currently ranked number five in the world.
The ‘History Maker’, a finalist in 2011, recorded 2-0 win in the early hours of Wednesday morning over Snakebite and will now meet Dave Chisnall on Wednesday .
Earlier, Balbriggan thrower Mick McGowan suffered a 2-1 loss to James Wilson, while world number one Michael van Gerwen came back from 1-0 down against Steve Beaton to win 2-1.
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Luck of the Irish in round one Gurney!#Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/ppYvLUPSlC
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) October 3, 2016
