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The Unicorn star, who has a poor record in Blackpool, was forced into the tie-break and eventually beat Gray by 12 legs to 10.

‘The Artist’ has never been beyond the 2nd Round in seven visits to the World Matchplay and he will now face an all-Unicorn clash against either Phil Taylor or Wes Newton on Wednesday night.

He made a nervous start, losing the opening two legs but then Painter took the next three and looked to be on the way but he was missing lots of doubles and Gray went 6-4 up. Painter though, won four of the next five legs, including finishes of 100, 96 and 87. The next four legs went with throw, so it set up the nerve-jangling tie-break.

After holding his throw, Painter nearly blew it. He missed five darts for the match at double 16, eight, four and two to allow Gray to level up at ten apiece. Painter though, kept his concentration, held his throw and then checked out 96 to finally win the game.

He said: “That was an unbelievable way to start any tournament. I am so relieved, I can’t tell you. I was under a lot of pressure because I was the favourite and when I missed all those doubles for the match, I told myself to stay calm and thankfully it worked. I can now relax for a day or so!”

Elsewhere on a thrilling first night at the Winter Gardens, Wayne Mardle won a fantastic match against Mark Dudbridge…..it was the battle of the Blackpool beaten finalists (Mardle lost to Taylor in 2003 and Dudbridge was beaten a year later by Taylor) and ‘Hawaii 501’ won the day thanks to some stunning check-outs.

It was tight all the way but Mardle produces finishes of 110, 121, 106, 95, 110 and 121 and then a 12-darter and 82 check-out to win it! It was high quality stuff and great entertainment.

Mardle now plays Roland Scholten on Tuesday night after the Dutchman edged out Chris Mason in a brilliant match. Scholten won 13-11 in the tie-break. Mason had missed three darts to win the match 10-8 in regulation. Scholten hit 11 180s and his heavier scoring proved absolutely crucial.

Monday sees a hugely significant day for Team Unicorn stars…..New addition Terry Jenkins kicks off day two, with a difficult test against Alan Tabern.

Jenkins suffered a surprise early exit at the Bobby Bourn Players Championship on Saturday, while Tabern reached the semi-finals. Bob Anderson then takes on Ronnie Baxter and Unicorn’s former World Champion will know that Baxter is struggling for form at the moment, while ‘The Limestone Cowboy’ has new darts and a new belief and determination to stay in the world’s top 32.

John Part should be too good for Alan Warriner, while Barrie Bates’ clash against ‘The Pie Man’ Andy Smith looks too close to call.

Monday night’s session looks one of the best line-ups in the history of the event. Phil Taylor starts the defence of his title against fellow Unicorn star Wes Newton, who in turn, will be looking to cause one of the biggest upsets in the 14 years of the World Matchplay.

Colin Osborne and Newton have been practicing together all week in Newton’s converted shed at his home in Fleetwood! The Wizard takes to the stage against Dennis Priestley.

The two big matches of the night feature Colin Lloyd and Peter Manley…..’One Dart’ takes on the talent that is Michael Van Gerwen, while Lloyd – the 2005 Matchplay Champion – couldn’t have it any harder, as he faces Mervyn King.

You’ll be able to follow all Monday’s thrilling action, here on the Unicorn website.

Sunday 1st Round results:

Kevin Painter 12-10 Adrian Gray
Wayne Mardle 10-7 Mark Dudbridge
Roland Scholten 13-11 Chris Mason

Monday 1st Round schedule:

Afternoon session:

Terry Jenkins v Alan Tabern
Ronnie Baxter v Bob Anderson
John Part v Alan Warriner
Barrie Bates v Andy Smith

Evening session:

Dennis Priestley v Colin Osborne
Peter Manley v Michael Van Gerwen
Phil Taylor v Wes Newton
Colin Lloyd v Mervyn King

BY STUART PYKE

Photo of Wes Newton in his practice shed courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC.