Grant Sampson stuns Keane Barry at Ally Pally

Unheralded South African Grant Sampson capitalised on a wretched performance from Keane Barry to record a 3-1 win and advance to the second round at the World Darts Championship.

Both players struggled for form throughout the contest at Alexandra Palace, with world number 45 Barry posting a three-dart average of 78.35 and a checkout percentage of 22.9%.

Sampson's stats were even worse, with a three-dart average of 77.29 and a checkout percentage of 22.7%.

The world number 211 had needed to use crowdfunding to help pay for his flight from Cape Town and he travelled to the venue on the bus.

By reaching the next stage, where he meets Kim Huybrechts on Friday night, he pocketed £15,000.

He said: "I am still pumped with adrenaline. That was amazing. Back home we only play in front of 50 people so playing in front of a crowd like that was beautiful.

"All my dreams came true by qualifying so I had nothing to lose. I am really proud, it is the biggest night of my life, I won't be able to sleep."

Tyrone's Nathan Rafferty, who had his appendix removed last week, edged out Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena.

Reflecting on the result, he said: "Considering I went through an operation last Thursday, playing in the second round is a good achievement.

"I got it took out, three or four days healing, and I'm happy to do the job."

Peter Wright came dressed as the Grinch and stole the show as his title defence got off to a winning start.

The Scot, who is known to be eccentric, was in his element on the opening day of the showpiece event, kitting out in a bright green outfit in homage to the Christmas character, complete with matching beard and mohawk.

Wright came dressed for a party but meant business, taking out Rafferty's fellow Tyrone man Mickey Mansell