Fallon Sherrock was left to rue a number of missed chances as she lost to Ricky Evans in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Three years after becoming the first female player to win a match, and subsequently, two consecutive matches in the event, Sherrock won the opening set against Evans at Alexandra Palace.
The Women's World Matchplay winner had four darts at a double to win the third set before busting on five, while she also led 2-0 in the fourth set and missed two darts to win it before Evans took out 107 to seal a 3-1 win.
"I knew it was going to be tough but I didn’t expect it to be that tough," a relieved Evans told Sky Sports.
"She is so good. The thing is people are cheering because it’s a lady player, they don’t respect how good she is actually at darts. She was the better player in that game.
"I got away with that and I’m so happy to win. I’m chuffed to bits."
Raymond van Barneveld battled back to defeat Ryan Meikle and set up a mouth-watering third round showdown against Gerwyn Price.
Van Barneveld – making his landmark 30th World Championship appearance – was struck down by food poisoning earlier in the day, but he displayed all his fighting qualities to reach round three at Alexandra Palace for the first time in four years.
Meikle edged past Lisa Ashton in round one, and 'The Barber' had the scalp of another multiple World Champion in his sights after securing the opening set with a ton-plus average.
The five-time World Champion responded in emphatic fashion, reeling off three straight legs in 13, 14 and 12 darts to level proceedings – boasting a stunning set average of 115.92.
The Dutch veteran then came through a crucial third-set decider to establish control, and with Meikle visibly deflated, Van Barneveld rattled through set four in serene fashion to seal a 3-1 success.
