Nathan Aspinall suffered two first round exits before tonight at the World Matchplay but is in the winners' circle at last after a tense opening win 10-6 over Mervyn King.
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Aspinall averaged 94.59, hit five 180's and 40% on the doubles en route in a polished display.
Aspinall claimed a commanding lead at the first interval sitting on a 4-1 lead over King with a 97 average.
But on return, King kicked into gear reducing the deficit to 4-3 with a break and a hold but at the interval, King missed two darts to draw level and Aspinall punished to make it 6-4.
He missed further darts on return and Aspinall headed further towards the finishing line at 7-5 up.
King stayed in touch with a hold at 7-6 down but Aspinall found an extra gear to go 9-6 up with a break of throw and suddenly on the verge. A 72 checkout sealed the deal though for the Stockport ace who moves into the second round.
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