Michael van Gerwen has overcome a scare against Mensur Suljovic to book his place in the PDC World Championship fourth round.
The three-time world champion had at one stage been well on course to record the third-highest average in the history of the event, but he had to dig deep to shake off a sensational performance from Suljovic.
In establishing a 3-1 lead in sets, Van Gerwen was required to win each set in a decider, and the Dutchman was on course to win 4-1 when setting up 32 to prevail.
However, after turning down the chance to go for bull, Van Gerwen watched Suljovic take out 161 for the set in a show of defiance which lit up the Alexandra Palace.
Up until the sixth set, Suljovic had been almost perfect on his doubles, but three missed darts to go 2-1 ahead in the sixth let in Van Gerwen, who capitalised to end a captivating encounter with a 107.66 average.
INSANITY FROM SULJOVIC!!!!! 🤯
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 28, 2022
Michael van Gerwen declines a dart at the bullseye and Mensur takes out 161 to clinch the set!
Just look at Van Gerwen's face 😂
Breathtaking!#WCDarts | R3
📺 https://t.co/37DNuuK5Me pic.twitter.com/60M4sqX3ZX
The encounter which followed between Michael Smith and Martin Schindler matched the drama of Van Gerwen's triumph, fourth seed Smith trailing 3-1 at one stage courtesy of an inspired performance from his German opponent.
Even though Smith hit a 170 checkout, he could not match Schindler during the first half of the clash as the 29th seed produced arguably his best televised performance, hitting eight 180s and a 128 checkout in four sets.
However, Smith valiantly took out 72 to take the fifth set when Schindler was waiting on 76 to win the match, and the momentum remained with the Englishman during sets six and seven.
After taking the match to a decider, Smith averaged 103.14 in the seventh set, aided by timely 81 and 83 finishes, to set up a mouth-watering last-16 tie with Joe Cullen.
The 13th seed produced one of the performances of the round as he swept aside Damon Heta, winning by a 4-0 scoreline and with a 98.09 average.
Although Heta led in 180s by seven to five, 14 missed darts at a double cost him, and Cullen was able to earn his spot in the fourth round.
