World heartbreak for Heydon and Beaton

On his first appearance at the worlds, Heydon went down 3-1 to Scotland’s Robert Thornton.

The Undertaker had chances to take the game to a deciding set but two missed doubles in the fourth set proved costly as Thornton went on to set up a last-32 clash against Andy Hamilton.

“The whole experience was amazing,” said Heydon. “I was really well looked after and I can’t wait until the next time I’m up there.

“People said I looked nervous, but I didn’t feel nervous.

“I took a while to get going and was throwing above the treble, so maybe I was trying too hard.

“I missed a couple of doubles at the wrong time, while Robert played well all game and put me under pressure.”

Thornton, who has enjoyed a return to form since slipping out of the world top 16, admitted Heydon’s revival made for a few anxious moments.

“When I went 2-0 up I seemed to take my foot off the pedal and I can’t afford to keep doing that. I’m glad I finished it off when I did because if it went to 2-2, Nigel had the advantage of throw in the decider.

“On the floor, Nigel is one of the hardest players to play against - he can take darts and finishes out that you wouldn’t believe.

“On the stage the first two sets weren’t the true Nigel. Nigel can play better than that.

“I’m just relieved to be through because the first game is always the hardest.”

Beaton, meanwhile, suffered a shock 3-2 loss at the hands of Staffordshire debutant Mark Hylton.

Beaton twice fought back to level against the former airline cabin manager, only to lose three straight legs in the deciding set.

“I knew I was going to have a tough game but I missed some opportunities and let Mark back into the game,” said Beaton.

“When it was 2-2 I took the first leg off him and it was all mine, but my mind started wandering and I wasn’t consistent enough.

“For some reason I don’t seem to play well in World Championships and it’s frustrating for me.”

Hylton said beating the former world champion was not just a major scalp, it was a way to silence his critics.

“Steve’s a legend of the game and to beat him is fantastic,” said Hylton, who is in his first year on the PDC circuit. “But it’s more that I have proven I can hold myself together and win under pressure, which was a big thing for me.”

Hylton faces Colin Lloyd in the second round.