Jose de Sousa is through to face Jonny Clayton on Friday afternoon at the European Championship after a superb session which saw 'The Special One' achieve perfection against Jeffrey de Zwaan.
For De Sousa, while it was a great feeling, he admitted the win was the most important thing for him to begin his campaign.
"It is amazing to hit my first 9-darter on the television," said De Sousa. "This feeling is very special but it is more important to win.
"I am very proud today - this is fantastic for me. I am always trying to improve but I am enjoying my game and I will do everything to get better.
"It is nice for people to say I am one of the best players in the world at the moment but for me it's not true. I have to keep working hard and keep winning."
Also with doubts being cast over the Phillipines entry into this year's World Cup, De Sousa revealed Portugal are first reserve to play in the tournament.
"I hope this year. At the moment we won't have that confirmation that we can play, we wait for the Philippines. If they don't come, we are first reserve to play the World Cup."
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JOSE WINS!
Nine-dart hero Jose De Sousa closes out a 6-3 victory over Jeffrey de Zwaan!
A match that will live long in the memory for 'The Special One'.
📺Up next 👉James Wade v Steve Lennon