Norfolk's Mervyn King blew a two-set lead to crash out of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

A back injury hampered King's challenge – after winning the first two sets 3-2 against Zoran Lerchbacher, he then lost the next three 3-1, 3-0, 3-0 as the Austrian made it through to the second round for the first time.

'It was unbelievable,' said Lerchbacher. 'I think I played well in the first two sets and lost them, but I kept my focus and I thought, 'I can turn this match'. It's a party, I love to perform here for the fans and I'm so happy.'

After taking the opening leg of the third set, the players left the stage following a lighting issue, and after they returned things turned Lerchbacher's way as he claimed the set before King, from Bradwell, began to struggle with a back problem.

Lerchbacher won eight legs on the spin to wrap up victory.