There was both tears and jeers for Robert Owen following his third-round win over Ricky Evans at the World Darts Championship. The 40-year-old came from 2-1 down to prevail 4-2, a victory that secured his PDC Tour card for next season.

The Welshman has only once previously played in the tournament in the 2022/23 version, where he went out in the first round.

Owen was on the verge of tears immediately after the match as the emotions of the occasion sunk in. Owen had been expected to be sat at home watching the tournament on TV and is a huge underdog.

And after starting his post-match Sky Sports interview calmly, the 40-year-old soon exploded - with both joy and relief - on the microphone.

Asked if it was his biggest ever victory, he replied: "The last game was the biggest of my life but this really was! Ricky is a fantastic guy and a great player..."

After pausing, Owen said: "Well can I say it now, can I say it? NOW I HAVE RETAINED MY TOUR CARD! COME ON."

Owen was seen shouting the famous Welsh phrase 'Yma o Hyd' to himself during the clash, which translates to 'We are still here' in Engish. And he also explained why he was using it to motivate himself.

"I’m here, Yma o Hyd, I’m here," he continued. "I'm here to do the best for my family and just for everyone. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. But I am here to do my best for my family and give us all a nice life. I’ve done well here this week so I am very happy."

The win for Owen kickstarted a big night for Welsh darts at Ally Pally. His match was followed by the first fourth-round match of the tournament, with former world champion Gerwyn Price taking on compatriot Jonny Clayton.

Asked if he would be staying around to watch, Bridgend based Owen said: "Course I am. I’m sticking around to watch the boys. So come on give them all a bit of fair play and give them a big bit of support. Just remember if you’re Welsh, Yma o Hyd!"

But that plea triggered playful boos from the predominantly English crowd.

Whether it was the reaction or simply the emotion from his win, Owen was then clearly emotional once more as he walked to the backstage area, ahead of a meeting with Callan Rydz on Monday.

Owen is currently ranked at No.77 in the world. His best previous performance at a TV major came at the 2018 UK Open, where he reached the semi-final before losing to Corey Cadby.