Lukeman survives the scare to come through in the world championships

Martin Lukeman believes he is “85, 80 per cent there” after overcoming a scare to get safely through to the second round at the World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace.

The Watford star beat Nitin Kumar 3-1 this afternoon to set up a second-round showdown with Andrew Gilding on Monday as he bids to continue his involvement in the sport’s showpiece event after Christmas for the first time.

The 39-year-old, who reached his first major final at the Grand Slam of Darts in November, admitted after his victory that he had not been feeling well in the build-up to the event, but now intends to get some quality practice in before you meet 21st seed.

“I’m done, that’s the main objective,” he said afterwards. “I just need to get through Gilding on the 23rd.

“I haven’t felt very well in the last week, but I got the job done today and I can get some practice in now.

“I’m probably 85, 80 percent there, practice a bit and get ready for Gilding.”

Lukeman was expected to progress without too much trouble against the Indian qualifier. However, he was given plenty to think about as Kumar took the first set 3-2.

After the nervous start, Lukeman began to find his range in the doubles and leveled the match by winning the next set 3-1.

It was a score he would have to repeat in the next two sets to secure his victory, which he celebrated by wiping his hand on his forehead before shaking hands and embracing his opponent.

With an average of 86.66 percent and a doubles success rate of just 28 percent, Lukeman knows he will have to play better if he is to make it past the third round for the first time.