Ian White has returned to winning ways at the World Matchplay after an incredible 10-7 victory over Daryl Gurney to kick off Night Three in Blackpool.
A game full of drama and tension, it was 'Diamond' who shined bright to book his place in the second round.
Gurney claimed first blood against White with a brilliant 101 checkout only for the latter to respond with a 180 and a 84 checkout to make it 1-1.
The clutch finishing continued with a 130 checkout for Gurney followed by a 117 checkout for White as no player gave an inch in the early going.
But one missed dart at double 20 from Gurney allowed White to step in for double 16 to break and to go 3-2 up.
White surged clear following the interval with yet another break which was consolidated to make it 7-3.
The one way traffic continued after the next interval with White responding to a Gurney 180 with double 16 to make it 8-3.
But as White looked to head towards the finishing line, Gurney looked to pounce. He stopped the rot with a 116 checkout to trail 8-4.
He clawed it back to 8-6 before White went one away at 9-6 but there was drama still as Gurney hit a skin-saving 121 checkout on the bull to make it 9-7 before 'Diamond' finally got over the line.
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