Scott Williams on cusp of World Darts Championship return after thrilling win in Maastricht

Sizzling Scott Williams savoured a double dose of Dutch delight after his thrilling Maastricht success over Niko Springer.

Shaggy produced a fabulous fightback winning four of the last five legs to edge a 6-5 epic with the German star.

Williams' victory gave him a long-awaited first win on the Euro tour scene since April of last year.

At the same time, the 36-year-old's powerful late surge to triumph has put him on the cusp of a return to the the World Championship at Ally Pally at the end of the year.

Williams was given magnificent backing through the contest with Springer and had words of admiration for the Dutch supporters afterwards as he looked out into the arena and acknowledged: "You guys are absolutely mental and I love it. You guys are off your head, awesome, we appreciate you.

"I have never heard that many people shout for me, even in England. That's crazy. It's great to have some form and it's great to be here. I'm here to do a job and that's the World Championships secured now, baby!"

Williams stayed cool during the pressurised latter stages of the match as he set up a second-round blockbuster against Gerwyn Price.

Springer and the Englishman traded blows throughout and the victor said: "What a game that was. That was so tough.

"I said to a few people that Niko was going to be such a tough cookie. He doesn't mess about up there, I don't mess about, we're up there to do our job and that's what we did."

Image: Jenny Segers/PDC Europe