ALAN TABERN fended off a fightback by Australia's Raymond Smith to set-up second round clash with Michael Van Gerwen at the William Hill World Championship.
Tabern, who has never lost in the first round of the World Championship, raced into a two set lead with the aid of 101, 86 and 71 checkouts.
Smith took out 104 in the first leg of set three before capitalising on five missed match darts from Tabern.
The Australian added a second finish of 104 to win the fourth set 3-1, levelling up the match at two sets apiece.
Tabern won three quickfire legs to take the deciding set to book a second round meeting against world number one Van Gerwen on Saturday evening.
Match Stats
Averages:
Tabern - 91.12
Smith - 86.14
180s:
Tabern - 3
Smith - 5
Highest Finish:
Tabern - 101
Smith - 104
100+ Checkouts:
Tabern - 1
Smith - 2
Finishing:
Tabern - 12/29
Smith - 8/26
