GRANGE Park's Alan Tabern celebrated his return to the World Darts Championship big stage with a 3-2 win over Australian World Series player Raymond Smith.

Tabern, making his first appearance at Alexandra Palace since 2012, kept up his record of never losing in the first round in this prestigious tournament.

The 52-year-old, dubbed The Saint, will now meet world number one Michael van Gerwen in round two on Saturday night.

Tabern is one of four Sintelliners in the £2.5m championship, joining Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall and Stephen Bunting.