An emotional Kiwi Cody Harris is through to the second round of the World Series of Darts Finals after a dominant win over England's Dave Chisnall, while history-making female player Fallon Sherrock bowed out after blowing a commanding lead.
On Saturday (NZ time) Harris secured a 6-2 win over world No. 10 Chisnall, while four missed match darts across two legs eventually cost Sherrock as Canada's Jeff Smith claimed a 6-5 win at the Salzburgarena in Salzburg.
Harris and Sherrock were the only two non-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour Card holders in the event and were both massive underdogs heading into their games.
Harris, 34, raced out to a 2-0 lead, before 'Chizzy' fought back to level the match.
Chisnall had the chance to take the lead, but missed five doubles as Harris regained the edge before reeling off the next four for victory.
Harris will now face world No. 7 Daryl Gurney in the round of 16, which guarantees him at least £7500 (NZ$15,000).
The win capped off a tough few months for Harris, who has been based in Europe during the entire coronavirus period away from his five kids, who are in New Zealand.
As Harris doesn't hold a Tour Card, he hasn't played a competitive match sinch March's UK Open and the Kiwi has been missing his family.
"It is hard," he said. "I'm feeling strong now, but some on my own I drop a tear here or there.
"I'm missing them a lot back home. I talk to them on the phone but it's not enough sometimes.
"Taking that win is a big step. We all know what Chizzy's capable of and on his day it could have gone the other way.
"I've beaten him twice now but I wouldn't say that I've played his A-game yet. I just want to keep playing - I've been really hungry to play darts all year and I just wanted to get back up there."
For Sherrock, she was left to rue multiple missed opportunities as he blew a 5-1 lead against Smith.
Sherrock rose to international fame late last year when she became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship at London's Alexandra Palace, beating Ted Evetts 3-1 in sets in the first round.
She ended up reaching the third round of the tournament, and the 26-year-old was due to compete at this year's NZ Darts Masters in Hamilton before the coronavirus pandemic brought the event to a grinding halt.
Smith admitted he was surprised to come out on top.
"I feel like I should have lost that game, but I'm still here," said Smith. "To be honest I was the second best player in the match.
"Fallon came at me hard and I was looking to respond. She was the one that let me off in that match and she's a credit to the game.
"I'll take the win. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be better again."
The event also marked the return of fans to professional darts, with 2000 spectators watching inside the arena.
