Welshman Price, who is known for his signature roar, has begun to recapture his best form from last year in the build-up to his title defence, and he needed to dig deep to avoid an embarrassing defeat today.

Against England's Ritchie Edhouse, who beat compatriot Peter Hudson 3-2 in the first round earlier in the night, Price had to come from one set down to secure a 3-1 win.

Edhouse had chances to move 2-1 in front, but Price won the deciding leg of the set, before powering clear to claim victory.

Earlier on, Ricky Evans of England defeated India's Nitin Kumar 3-0 to move into the second round.

Two-time winner Adrian Lewis of England, who was also the first player to score a nine-dart leg at the World Championship, set up a tantalising second-round tie with two-time champion Gary Anderson of Scotland, who lost to Price in last year's final.

Lewis beat Matt Campbell of Canada 3-1.

Tomorrow's action sees six seed Anderson face Lewis and number 22 seed Daryl Gurney of Northern Ireland face Evans.