Stephen Bunting held off pressure from Gary Anderson to secure a 12-10 victory in a tense last 16 encounter at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Both players needed some time to get their game going as doubles shots proved difficult for them throughout the match, which stretched beyond the allotted 21 legs.
The match was back and forth but Bunting, who also missed a double 12 in nine darts, managed five legs in a row to go 9-6 up and looked to be on course for a comfortable victory.
However, Anderson showed resilience in the match darts, fighting back and trying to level the score, but Bunting eventually got his way, winning by two clear legs to secure the victory.
Both players averaged less than 30 percent in the cash games, adding to the intrigue of the game, and Bunting admitted to feeling nervous on stage.
After the fight, he told Sky Sports: “He's a great professional. One of the best players to ever step on the scene and I have nothing but respect for Gary Anderson and this is the win of my career.”
“I was still nervous. I had Theo (son), Toby, my wife with me tonight, but we finished and now I can relax.
“I feel great, I'm playing darts better than ever and I'm enjoying my time in Blackpool – the fans are incredible.”
James Wade produced a superb performance to secure an 11-5 victory over Matchplay debutant Wessel Nijman.
The first six legs did not reveal a clear favorite, but Wade took advantage of the young Dutchman's mistakes and began to increase his advantage.
The game changed when Wade hit two brilliant shots in a row to make it 8-4, scoring the third 100-point lead of the match.
It came in the middle of five consecutive legs, with Wade coming within one leg of victory and The Machine holding on to the double-top to complete an impressive win.
Jan van Veen won seven consecutive legs on his way to a comfortable 11-5 victory over Danny Noppert.
Noppert started the match brightly and took a 2-0 lead, but his Dutch compatriot kicked into high gear and went into the second break with a 7-3 lead, which Noppert was unable to recover from.
Van Veen, who knocked out Luke Humphries in a surprise first round exit, pulled off four 180-degree turns and averaged just under 95 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Johnny Clayton continued his hot streak with an 11-8 win over Mike De Decker.
Ferret performed nine 180-degree turns and did not lag behind during the competition, but withstood several of De Decker's moves, which allowed him to successfully advance to the quarter-finals.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
