"Gerwyn is an extremely good player and I know he is, I'm not stupid" - Connor Scutt ready to step-up when he takes on former world champion Price

In a near-perfect Alexandra Palace debut, Connor Scutt comfortable came through a potentially tricky opening game against Krzysztof Kcuik on Saturday afternoon to set up a second round with former world champion, Gerwyn Price.

Averaging 95.97 with five 180s, it was a dream first outing at the PDC World Darts Championship for the Englishman. "It's a lot pressure off myself. I practice an awful lot and I put a lot into this one game," Scutt reflects in his post-match press conference. "Regardless of what comes next I'm just happy to get over the line."

Aside from the pressures of performing on the iconic Ally Pally stage for the first time, Scutt is also fighting to retain his Tour Card. "I wasn't really thinking about my card to be honest," he says of that fact. "I didn't have the best of starts the first year and that's my own fault, no one else's but I've done okay this year, so hopefully, even if I do lose my card I'll be able to win it back and give a better account of myself."

"My practice game has started to come out in games now which is great for myself," Scutt continues, referencing his run to the final at a recent Players Championship event. "I didn't play exceptionally well like some of the others do with their 110 averages. Just steady for the day and took the chances which was a great confidence boost for me."

The next round is a marked step-up for Scutt though. World number 5 and 2021 world champion Gerwyn Price lies in wait. "I know what Gezzy can do. If I play my game, I'll be able to put up a decent fight and that's all I want from the game really. If I play my A-game I've got a decent chance," he insists. "It's all about just being comfortable up there. Gerwyn is an extremely good player and I know he is, I'm not stupid. I'm not going to come out and say I'm going to beat him because who knows."