DARTS ace Jamie Lewis was left to rue what might have been as he bowed out of the William Hill World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The Cardigan player produced a sketchy performance in going down 3-2 in round two against world number three Gerwyn Price of Caerphilly.

Lewis reached the second stage of the tournament after recovering from two sets down to beat Luke Woodhouse in round one, but despite opportunities against Price, let his opponent off the hook and there was to be no second chance this time around.

Price was gifted the first leg of the match but found himself on the backfoot as Lewis bounced back to win three legs on the trot and take the set 3-1.

Lewis (29) nudged further ahead with an 88 checkout in the first leg of the second set but Price then reeled off four legs on the bounce, which included a 104 checkout and went into the lead with a superb 160 finish.

Back came Lewis to win the next three legs and force a deciding set, but busting a score of 68 by hitting treble 16 with his second dart of the visit allowed Price to step in with checkouts of 72, 116 and 60 and as Lewis faded, he completed his victory.

The Cardigan thrower picked up £15,000 in prize money for reaching the second round and the amount would have been increased by a further £10,000 if he had beaten Price.

Afterwards a relieved Price said: “I was glad to get through. Jamie didn’t play brilliant and it came right for me during the closing stages.

"That wasn’t my greatest performance and I probably got a bit lucky in that last set.

“I couldn’t get going for whatever reason and he let me in when he bust 68, but I did what I do and took advantage.

“It’s not a brilliant start but I have to give credit to Jamie. He gave me a good game and I feel like I can grow into this tournament,” added Price.