TERRY Jenkins wrote his name into the history books with a nine-darter at the Ladbrokes World Championship — but lost 3-2 in a dramatic Alexandra Palace session.

The seven-time major finalist from Ledbury registered only the sixth nine-dart finish in the tournament’s history during a thrilling first-round clash with Danish qualifier Per Laursen.

The 50-year-old, nicknamed the Bull, twice hit back from a set down to level the game before producing two 180s and a 141 finish in the second leg of the deciding set.

Jenkins’ joy was shortlived, however, as Laursen won the final set 4-2 in a tiebreak, following his earlier 4-2 legs win over Colin McGarry in the preliminary round, to win through to the last 32.

“I’ve always said I need to hit nine-darters to win games but even that wasn’t enough this time!” admitted Jenkins, who also hit a 170 check-out during the exciting clash. “I knew I was practising well and I said to my mate beforehand I thought I was going to hit a nine-darter.

“I felt I played really well but I don’t seem to get those second chances.

Jenkins added: “It was my fault in the last set but it shouldn’t have gone that far and, the way I was playing, I should have won beforehand.”

Laursen progressed to play Peter Wright in the second round tonight, having reached the last 32 for the third time on the world championship stage.

“I felt I played the best I could and I kept it going throughout the match, despite everything Terry was throwing at me,” said Laursen.

“He’s a great player, as he showed with the nine-darter, so I’m really happy to have won.”

An hour after Jenkins’ amazing feat, Australian ace Kyle Anderson matched the achievement in his clash with Ian White, landing two maximums and a 141 checkout in the opening leg of the fourth set. The Australian Grand Prix champion’s achievement will see him share the nine-dart bonus of £30,000 with Jenkins should no other player land a perfect leg in the remainder of the tournament.

Although Queenslandbased Anderson went on to lose both the set and the match 3-1, the 26-year-old could barely hide his pride in becoming only the second Aussie to hit a televised nine-dart finish behind Simon Whitlock.