Mark Walsh was knocked out of the PDC World Darts Championship after a 4-1 defeat to Wes Newton in the last 16 this afternoon.

The Abbots Langley star was hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in his career but was unable to find his best form.

Newton edged his way to the first set 3-2 after a tight battle in the opening match at Alexandra Palace. 

Walsh was making a few mistakes and Newton punished him to extend his lead by taking the second set 3-1.

It did not get any better for 'Special Brew' in the third set as Newton cruised through it to move within one of a place in the next round.

After losing six legs in a row, Walsh at least briefly halted this run by claiming the opener in the fourth set.

Newton made it 1-1 but Walsh kept fighting and hit double top for the first time in 12 attempts to take a 2-1 advantage. 

Newton squared the set but Walsh held his nerve to take the decisive leg and keep his hopes of a remarkable fightback alive.

The comeback continued in the fifth set as Walsh took the opening leg as the match became increasingly scrappy. 

Walsh gave himself a great chance of winning another set when he took a 2-0 lead but Newton broke back to make it 2-2.

Newton regained the composure he showed in the opening sets and secured the decisive leg to book his place in the next round.