CANADA'S Jim Long enjoyed a victorious William Hill World Darts Championship debut as he saw off Mickey Mansell 3-1 on Saturday.
Mansell, who won a Players Championship event earlier this year, edged a cagey opening set 3-2 before Long restored parity by winning the second set decider with a sublime 127 checkout.
The Canadian player finished 40, 99 and 24 to move ahead in sets, before closing out a debut victory by edging the fourth set 3-2.
Long will take on Benito Van De Pas in the second round on Friday December 21.
Match Stats
Averages:
Mansell - 74.45
Long - 75.33
180s:
Mansell - 3
Long - 1
Highest Finish:
Mansell - 83
Long - 127
100+ Checkouts:
Mansell - 0
Long - 2
Finishing:
Mansell - 7/15
Long - 11/21
