RYAN JOYCE's dream William Hill World Championship debut continued with a hard fought win over Alan Norris at Alexandra Palace.
Joyce, who had beaten Simon Whitlock in round two, came from two sets down to win 4-3 and reach the last 16.
Norris raced through the first set, winning three consecutive legs with an average of 115 and taking out 152 in a superb start to the contest.
Joyce took out 86 to win his first leg before 15, 16 and 19 dart legs saw Norris double his lead in sets.
Norris came from 2-0 behind to force a decider in set three but Joyce took out 68 to edge it.
An 87 checkout set Joyce on his way to winning the fourth set as he levelled up the match.
The fifth set also went all the way and Joyce move in front when he landed tops after Norris had hit a 180 to leave double three.
Norris edged the sixth set to force a decider before Joyce won the final set to progress.
Averages:
Joyce - 87.74
Norris - 89.65
180s:
Joyce - 5
Norris - 8
Highest Finish:
Joyce - 87
Norris - 152
100+ Checkouts:
Joyce - 0
Norris - 1
Finishing:
Joyce - 14/45
Norris - 15/40
