WAYNE MARDLE admitted that losing the first set to Alan Caves proved vital in his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship first round exit.

Mardle saw a run of three successive Circus Tavern semi-finals ended when he fell at the first hurdle to Caves last week.

The Essex favourite went two sets down to the qualifier - after spurning winning darts in the opener - before coming back to send the match into a decider.

Mardle also led 2-1 in the final set but missed five darts for victory at his favoured double 18 before Caves won the decider 5-3.

"I had four darts to win the first set. I know what Alan's like and if you get in front of him, you can bully him," said Mardle.

"As I was going for double top, I knew if I hit it he would be under pressure and I now think I made a mistake thinking about the whole game instead of going for that double.

"I made an error because I thought if I got that, then the game would be over.

"If you miss one double at the wrong time, then you are going to pay the consequences."

Mardle's flamboyant style has made him a favourite in front of his home Essex crowd, and he admitted he was lifted by their support during his comeback.

"A lot of people say about the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, but I've always this is hands down the best crowd we get and the best venue," he added. "It's so intimate and you can hear everything.

"I knew the crowd would spur me on and I let them and myself down.

"I had a lot of chances to win the game, but you have got to take them. Alan took the single chance he had, and I can't moan about that.

"It was a great game and I thoroughly enjoyed playing in it because I like Alan and hope he does well now."