Stephen Bunting survives scare to beat Kai Gotthardt at Darts World Championship

Dutchman Alexander Merkx made it a memorable tournament debut by defeating Stephen Burton 3-0 to reach the second round, while fellow countryman Wessel Nijmen won his first match at the Alexandra Palace.

Stephen Bunting celebrates victory over Kai Gotthardt (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Stephen Bunting was given a huge scare before defeating Germany’s Kai Gotthardt 3-1 in the first round at the World Championship.

Bunting, the reigning Masters champion, narrowly escaped falling 2-0 behind after Gotthardt missed three attempts at double eight and instead the eighth seed levelled the match at 1-1 before cruising to victory.