A darts player from Watford shone in the TV spotlight to secure the biggest win of his career on his debut at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester.

Martin Lukeman came from behind to stun two-time champion James Wade 2-1 on Tuesday to set up a second round clash with Kent’s Ross Smith tonight in the Sky Sports-televised event.

This year has seen the 37-year-old, who is nicknamed ‘Smash’, already reach a European Tour final and make his first appearance at the World Matchplay in July.

World number five Wade beat him on that occasion, but Lukeman avenged that loss with a super triumph in a sudden-death leg.

"I'm buzzing," Lukeman told the PDC website. "I know I can go further in these competitions and I want to - this is only one round.

"I enjoy this format but it's different on TV. I've not had much experience on TV but I've beaten James before and I ground it out.

"The European Tour this year has done me the world of good. I was fighting for my Tour Card at the beginning of the year but I've worked hard - I'm up for a battle.

"I don't want to go back to a building site, working 50 hours a week. I can win some of these [tournaments], I know I can. I've beaten world-class players this year."

Lukeman, who is currently 59th in the PDC rankings, made the most of a slow start from his opponent to take the first set, but the 2007 and 2010 champion recovered from a leg down to win the second.

The opening four legs of the decider were shared, but Wade was unable to take his opportunity at double top in the sudden-death leg as Lukeman hit double eight to secure a memorable victory.