Adrian Lewis survives early scare at World Matchplay
Last updated on .From the section Darts
World champion Adrian Lewis survived a real scare before progressing to the second round of the World Matchplay at the expense of Essex's Kevin Painter.
Leading 9-6, Painter missed three darts to win the match and a further three after Lewis had pulled back to level.
And Lewis held his nerve to complete a 14-12 victory at the Winter Gardens.
"I thought I'd lost it at one stage and put my darts away, but he missed his chance, I came back well and took mine in the end," said the 26-year-old.
Lewis will face Vincent van der Voort in round two after his 10-7 win against Alan Tabern.
Canada's John Part hit the third nine-darter in World Matchplay history, but was powerless to prevent a first-round exit to Mark Webster.
Steve Beaton cruised past Terry Jenkins in the opening match of the tournament.
Phil Taylor, the defending champion, begins his quest for a 12th Matchplay title against Mark Hylton on Monday evening.
