Borland’s first round encounter with England’s Bradley Brooks went the distance on a thrilling third day of action at Alexandra Palace, with Borland triumphing by a final score of 3-2.

The way he completed his victory was the most memorable as he used the fewest darts possible, nine, to check out from 501, as he completed a perfect leg.

It was the first time a nine-dart finish had ever won a match at the World Championship, although nine-darters have happened at the sport’s flagship event before, including last year when England’s James Wade managed it against compatriot Stephen Bunting.

Elsewhere, 2020 world champion Peter Wright of Scotland beat England’s Ryan Meikle 3-0 in one of two second round clashes on day three.

The other second round game saw the first defeat for a seeded player at this year’s event, as 12^th seed Krzysztof Ratajski of Poland was beaten by Ireland’s Stephen Lennon 3-1.

Borland’s contest was won of four first round matches that went the distance, with England’s Ryan Joyce defeating World Championship debutant Czech Republic’s Roman Benecky, with Joyce winning in a deciding leg after throwing a double ten.

Ireland’s Keane Barry beat Royden Lam of Hong Kong 3-2, while Joe Murnan of England defeated Singapore’s Paul Lim by the same scoreline.

The day’s other matches saw Russia’s Boris Koltsov overcome Jermaine Wattimena of The Netherlands 3-0 and England’s Ross Smith defeat Canada’s Jeff Smith by the same scoreline.