Simon Whitlock comes from behind to prevail in nervy deciding set against Paolo Nebrida at the World Darts Championship

As the opening night of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship continues, Simon Whitlock has prevailed in the first match of the tournament to go to a deciding set against Paolo Nebrida.

Although it was Whitlock who was by far the more experienced of the pair, Nebrida was the man who came roaring out the blocks in the opening set. As the Australian struggled on the outer ring, Nebrida kept cleaning up and whitewashed his way through the first set.

In the opening leg of set two, Whitlock finally got himself off the mark, although averaging in the mid to low 80s it still wasn't vintage play from 'the Wizard'. Although Nebrida was hardly setting the world alight himself, the fact he was more consistent in the finishing department was placing him in good stead. Despite Whitlock moving 2-1 up, Nebrida pulled back to 2-2 in the second set but in the decider it was the Australian who managed to take the set and level up the match.

Set three was another closely fought affair as both players had flashes of brilliance but also moments of mediocre. In the end, Whitlock pounced on some missed darts from Nebrida in the deciding leg to take the set and move 2-1 clear.

Despite having taken the early advantage, Nebrida's back was now against the wall. Fighting back bravely, Nebrida broke throw to open the set and then held to move two legs clear. Whitlock comfortably held in leg three, but the set was Nebrida's, sending the match to a decider.

With a brilliant 121 on double 14, Nebrida took the lead in the set. Whitlock used his experience to stay cool and pin double 1 to level the set, even after Nebrida had pressured with a 180 set-up. Breaking throw in the following leg, Whitlock was suddenly throwing for the match. Needing 61 for the win, Whitlock pinned the 25 but passed up two opportunities at double 18. Nebrida then missed and handful himself allowing the Aussie to return but three more matchdarts came and went. Again Nebrida couldn't punish though allowing Whitlock a third chance and this time he made no mistake, booking his place in round 2.