Gerwyn Price survived a dramatic encounter at Alexandra Palace, securing a 4-3 victory over Joe Cullen in the PDC World Darts Championship after nearly letting the match slip from his grasp.
The Welshman had built a commanding three-set lead in the first game of Friday's evening session.
However, the match took a stunning turn as Cullen mounted an impressive comeback, claiming the next three sets to level the contest.
The 2021 world champion was forced to dig deep as the match headed towards a nail-biting conclusion, with his place in the last 16 hanging in the balance.
Gerwyn Price emerged victorious in a true Ally Pally classic
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The final set produced intense drama as both players repeatedly broke each other's throws, leading to a sudden death leg.
Price's strategy throughout the match drew attention, as he consistently set himself up for double 20 despite struggling with his finishing on that target.
The Welshman missed double tops on multiple occasions to win legs, yet remarkably stuck to his game plan rather than switching to alternative doubles.
His persistence ultimately paid off in spectacular fashion, as Price successfully hit double 20 to take a 5-4 lead in the final set before using the same double to clinch victory in the sudden death leg.
Speaking to Sky Sports Darts' Abigail Davies after the match, Price reflected on the gruelling contest: "That was tough... I just wanted to get over the winning line.
"I thought I was going to lose that game."
"He played some good darts at the right times, and I missed doubles to win the match. Honestly, I'm looking around thinking, 'Wow, how am I in this position?'"
The champion acknowledged his struggles during the match: "I kept breaking him in the last set and just couldn't hold my throw. I wanted it too much, I was trying too hard - I felt like that throughout the game."
"I've got a lot more in the tank. I can play a lot better," Price added.
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Joe Cullen lost out to Gerwyn Price by the narrowest of margins
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Price joins Luke Woodhouse, Jonny Clayton and Stephen Bunting in securing a spot in the last 16 of the tournament.
The competition is set to intensify with several top players yet to compete, including Luke Humphries, Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, who are all scheduled to play later this week.
The dramatic victory ensures Price remains in contention for his second World Championship title, having previously claimed the crown in 2021.
