Richie Burnett upsets Mark Webster in PDC opener

Burnett held his nerve to win 3-2 at Alexandra Palace

Richie Burnett caused the first upset of the PDC World Championship by knocking out fellow Welshman and former world champion Mark Webster in the first round.

Burnett, BDO champion in 1995, edged a five-set thriller by winning the final set 4-2 in a tie-break.

Webster was one dart away from victory in the deciding set but missed double top.

"I kept going and that's the difference in me nowadays," said Burnett.

"You've got to keep battling and fighting. If you keep doing that and put the hard work in, around the corner there'll be a chance for you.

"In the end I plugged away and I had my chance and I took it."

Webster, a semi-finalist for the past two years, entered the tournament as a strong contender having reached the final of the Players' Championship on Sunday.

But the world number six failed to shake off Burnett, paying the price for poor finishing at the doubles.

"Seventy two players in the draw and two Welshmen, and we draw each other," added Burnett.

"We could have had easier players, both of us, we know that. But at the end of the day it's getting it done.

"I'm playing really well so I wasn't bothered who I was playing in the first round but I would have liked not to have played Mark in the first round."