Darts World Championship: James Wade gets a lucky escape after Darren Webster misses six match shots to progress to second round

Wade was facing a shock exit in the opening round before clawing his way back into the match and taking the win 3-2

James Wade escaped an early exit at the Darts World Championship, fighting back to beat Darren Webster 3-2 in the first round (GETTY IMAGES)

James Wade hung on to earn his place in the second round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Wade was in all sorts of trouble against amateur Darren Webster, with the joiner having six darts to take a 3-1 win.

He failed to live up to his 'Demolition Man' nickname, though, and yielded under the pressure, allowing Wade to take the set and then a 3-2 success.

Such was the scrutiny Webster was under, he aimed at the wrong double and landed a double six when he was after a double 10.

"I'm the luckiest man in the world, I normally lose those ones. When anyone gets the chance to beat me, they usually do the job," Wade told Sky Sports 1.

"I feel a bit guilty, but I don't. I was thinking: 'You prat, you've had enough chances to win that match."

Earlier in the night Webster's namesake Mark enjoyed a 3-2 success over Mensur Suljovic.

Wes Newton was a 3-1 winner over Hong Kong's Ting Chi Royden Lam to set up a clash with two-time champion John Part, while 2004 finalist Kevin Painter lost just one leg on his way to a 3-0 victory over Tomas Seyler.

PA