Monday 9 January 2017 12:22, UK
Three-time champion Martin Adams was taken to sudden death before seeing off Ryan Joyce in the first round of the BDO World Championship.
'Wolfie' came through a classic Lakeside match despite trailing for much of it against an opponent living up to his 'Relentless' nickname.
A break in the third leg helped Joyce secure the opening set, and he also led 2-1 against the 2007, 2010 and 2011 winner.
Adams looked in real danger of a second straight first-round exit at that stage, but an 11-dart leg in the fourth paved the way for a decider.
Joyce broke in the opening leg and held for a 2-0 lead, but checkouts of 129 and 86 saw Adams level at 2-2.
Competition rules demand victory by two clear legs in a deciding set before a sudden-death leg kicks in at 5-5, and Adams somehow stayed alive as he took out 115 after Joyce had missed double 18 for the match.
Joyce pulled off an even more stunning escape at 4-5 down, nailing a 164 on the bull with Adams sitting on a double-five finish.
It was a temporary reprieve, though, as the 60-year-old won the right to throw first in the winner-takes-all leg by hitting bull and then took it on double nine with the help of a 180 on the way.
Second seed and 2015 winner Scott Mitchell whitewashed New Zealander Mark McGrath in his first-round tie, while fourth seed Jamie Hughes beat Martin Atkins 3-1.
