Murnan sees off legendary Lim in gruelling first round contest at PDC World Darts Championship

Joe Murnan is through to the second round of the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship after claiming a gruelling win over Paul Lim.

Murnan and Lim both averaged 79 and despite the former hitting five 180's, it wasn't a pretty tie between both as he will now face Nathan Aspinall.

A 180 and 118 started proceedings off from Lim to break. He followed that up by hitting double four to make it 2-0.

A 60 checkout saw Lim claim the opening set, he missed double 16 for 101 to begin the second set after another 180 but cleaned up on double eight to move ahead.

Murnan saw a dart hang in double 10 to level up but it was only a hold. He broke on double 20 and had the throw to level at 1-1 in sets which he claimed.

A 171 and 60 checkout saw Murnan continue his return to the foray as he led the third set.

Murnan missed two darts for a break and Lim pinned double 10 for a hold to make it 1-1. The former held throw on double 20 giving himself a 2-1 lead.

Lim missed 114 on double 20 but returned with Murnan having an uphill task in 150 and it was a level set.

He took out 74 to go 2-1 up in sets. Murnan missed multiple chances to break and Lim held. It went to a decider though with a 72 checkout from Murnan - either he broke to win or the game would continue.

Murnan missed three darts for the win which were super high and Lim pinned 60 to force a final set.

He held to go 1-0 up and broke with a 79 checkout throwing to get over the line. Lim missed 55 to break but Murnan missed more darts for the match.

As a result, Lim returned to break. He had the darts for the decider but spurned his opportunity allowing Murnan to hit 45 for the win.