World Matchplay Darts DELAYED by power cut as arena left in darkness during walk-ons for first game of the evening
Fans had to wait for the lights to come on before the highly-anticipated tournament could get underway after already seeing the first match delayed by 15 minutes.
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James Wade and Joe Cullen were due to play out the tournament's curtain raiser at 7:10pm, but were delayed in their walkouts for some 15 minutes.
And things went even further awry when the lights inside the arena cut out as Wade took to the stage.
Fortunately for the World No8, the stage lights remained on so that he could see where he was going.
But those in the crowd in Blackpool were sat in darkness after a local power cut had caused the chaos.
Fans watching at home couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the incident unfold live on Sky Sports.
And one even joked: "Put 50p in the meter".
When the action did get back underway it was Wade who kept his cool to ensure a victory and a place in the second round.
The Machine breezed past Cullen 10-3, putting up a superb average of 104.44 - his highest in 10 years at Winter Gardens.
Wade, who is making his 20th consecutive World Matchplay appearance, spoke after the match about how much playing in Blackpool means to him.
He said: "Bloody hell, I've won tournaments with less than that [104.44 average].
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"It is what it is. They [the fans at Winter Gardens] are all interested in darts. They're all listening, they're all watching and that's what makes Blackpool magical.
"Everyone is interested in darts. Some of the other venues you don't get that interaction, but here it's great. I'm very excited to be back here".
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