The defending World Cup and Europe Cup singles champion needed just six minutes to make his mark on the match against the debutant from the West Midlands. He missed doubles tops for a stirring 120 checkout in the first leg, recovering to take it with his next throw to sneak the leg against the throw.

The left-hander blazed through the set unbeaten and then notched the first maximum of the match to open up the second set. Jones hit a maximum in the next leg, the bespectacled Welshman hitting his second in the third leg but then fluffing four doubles for the second set, Jones hitting double 10 and levelling the match with double four.

The playoff qualifier form Tipton, displaying gritty determination, defended his throw to kick off the third set, Webster hitting his third 180 and overcoming double trouble to annex the third 3-1.

Twice Jones led in the fourth as Webster again missed crucial doubles hitting double 12 to level at 2-2 and then clinching victory with a first-time effort for a match-winning double eight .

The telling factor was Webster’s power-scoring which saw him fire out 180s and average 31.49, compared with Jones’ 28.43.

Afterwards a relieved Webster said: “I’m just glad to be through, I wasn’t bothered about my average or missing the doubles as long as I got through.

“When Ian pulled it back to 1-1 and then won the next leg I knew I had to do something. None of my mates knew anything about Ian but I follow and darts scene, know he has played for England and is a useful player.

“Being first on was nerve-racking and I think that was why I missed so many doubles. I found when I had one dart in my hand I was checking out, the trouble was when I had three in my hand.

“I hope things will only get better now, as I don’t want to keep coming here and going out first round,” said the jublilant Welshman.