Lewis was 7-3 down but roared back to edge out his opponent 10-8 and set up a potential meeting with Michael van Gerwen in round 2.
At times in the match, the former two-time World Champion showed class including in the final leg of the match where he hit a 116 finish with his opponent on a finish waiting to force a decider.
Click here for more information on the World Matchplay.
Saturday July 21 (7pm)
First Round
Adrian Lewis (93.61) 10-8 (87.82) James Wilson
Dave Chisnall v Keegan Brown
Michael van Gerwen v Jeffrey de Zwaan
Michael Smith v Jonny Clayton
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1020751208426897408