STUART Kellett won for the first time in front of the television cameras to keep alive his hopes of progressing to the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts’ second stage.

The Northwich ace recovered from 4-2 adrift in his Group A encounter with Kevin Painter at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Sunday night, scoring a superb 5-4 success.

He now faces Paul Nicholson, on the wrong end of a hammering from tournament favourite Phil Taylor, in a decisive head-to-head tomorrow, Tuesday.

“It’s a massive win for me,” said Kellett, playing in the competition for the first time since joining the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit almost two years ago.

“I’ve waited for so long to win on a PDC stage, so I’m really happy.

“I’m chuffed with how I came back, as I had to show a lot of bottle. I’ve always known I’ve got that inside me, but it was a case of getting my head down and proving it.”

Painter was punished for missing two match darts in the seventh leg before his 32-year-old opponent hit double six – after previously fluffing four chances at a double – to stay in the contest.

He took control of the eighth leg with runs of 140 and 180 before landing double 14 to force a decider.

A third 180 of the match followed before Kellett took out 60 in two throws to win in style with a 14-darter.

He added: “I switched off from the crowd and tried to get the job done.

“I’ve had some tough draws in my previous appearances on television this year, playing Phil twice either side of a match against Barney.

“Phil battered me on Saturday if I’m honest, but it’s pointless worrying about that.

“The games against Kevin and Paul were always going to decide who went through, and I’m happy to have given myself a chance.”

Nicholson lost 5-1 to Taylor, who made safe his place in the knockout round with a match to spare.

The victor of Kellett’s clash with the Australian will progress to the last 16 with him.

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts
Group A
Saturday
Kevin Painter 2-5 Paul Nicholson
Phil Taylor 5-0 Stuart Kellett

Sunday
Kevin Painter 4-5 Stuart Kellett
Phil Taylor 5-1 Paul Nicholson

Tuesday (Evening session, 7pm-11pm)
Phil Taylor v Kevin Painter
Stuart Kellett v Paul Nicholson

Watch the video, supplied by the PDC, below.