Matt Campbell survives epic Ilagan fightback to secure first Ally Pally victory of his career

Matt Campbell has finally secured himself a win at the PDC World Darts Championships, surviving an epic fightback from Lourence Ilagan to win 3-2.

Although he's never managed to win on the Alexandra Palace stage, Campbell started very impressively in this one. Racing into a 2-0 lead in the set, including an 11-darter in leg 2. Ilagan pulled one back in leg 3, but the set would go to the Canadian.

Despite some double trouble in the opening leg of set 2, Ilagan eventually secured it via double one. Campbell held firm to hold throw in leg 2 despite Ilagan putting the pressure on him with a 180 and then broke the throw in the following leg to move one away from a 2-0 lead. A few moment later, Campbell was indeed two sets clear thanks to a 17-dart leg.

Ilagan kept fighting, taking the opening leg of set 3 against the darts. Campbell though, fired back with five perfect darts to kick off the next leg, eventually taking it in 14 darts. Another 14-darter followed for Campbell in the next leg as he moved within touching distance of a first Ally Pally win. Ilagan sent the set to a decider. After Campbell missed five for the match, Ilagan pulled out a stunning 100, finished with two double tops to take the set.

Kicking off the third set another brilliant finish, this time 153, Ilagan was putting the pressure on and threatening a fabulous comeback. Campbell came back with a 100 finish of his own to settle the nerves somewhat in the following leg before incredible drama saw both players miss opportunities with Ilagan being the man to eventually move 2-1 up in the set. Cleaning up 68 in two darts, Campbell sent the set to a fifth leg. In the last leg, Ilagan pulled out a wondershot once again, nailing 104 to level the match.

Campbell held throw to begin the set, pinning 93 in two darts. A 12-dart break followed and once again Campbell was on the brink. Taking out 128, Campbell sealed the win in style to finally get over the line.