The opening match of the tournament may end up being the best of the whole week as McGeeney won 3-2 in a sudden shoot out with the pair tied at 5-5 in the final set.

Double top sealed the victory for McGeeney but he was quick to praise his opponent.

Adams is a three-times Lakeside world champion and McGeeney said: "Martin is a gentleman, a legend and one of the greatest darts players who has ever lived.

"It is because of what he has achieved, the way he carries himself, the whole package.

"This is my first year as world No 1, and it was hard being the first game on plus playing Martin aswell."

Adams, who was celebrating his 25th Lakeside and had a special darts shirt with 'L25' on the back, failed to make a good start in the sudden death leg after going first as he won nearest the bull by hitting the bullseye.

He said: "It was not to be. It was a great game but that was an awful leg from me. But I will be back."