Mendham’s Peter Wright admitted he was ‘relieved’ after surviving match darts to beat Stephen Bunting 2-1 in the first round of the World Grand Prix late last night, writes Alex Moss.

The Suffolk-based ace went into his clash with the former world champion as the new tournament favourite, following Sunday’s shock defeat for defending champion Michael van Gerwen and the withdrawal of expectant father Gary Anderson.

However, world number three Wright also looked to be heading for an early exit in Dublin, as Bunting led 2-1 in the deciding set before missing two match darts at double 16 to send the Scot home.

Wright, who had lost the opening set 3-1 before fighting back to claim the second without reply, hit double 11 to force a sudden-death leg, and a score of 177 in the decider set up tops for him to complete a brave comeback.

“It was close and I’m relieved to get through that,” Wright said.

“I’ve had many great battles with Stephen and it’s often a close game and this was another of those.

“I’m just glad to be through and still be in the tournament because it’s always nervy playing over that short distance and with the double-start format.”

The third seed will next face fellow East Anglian thrower Mervyn King in the last 16 on Wednesday, after the 2012 World Grand Prix finalist also progressed last night with a straight sets win over Belgium’s Ronny Huybrechts.