Fallon Sherrock defeated Ted Evetts in an epic five-set battle to etch her name in the history books as the first woman to win at the PDC World Darts Championships.

After taking a 1-0 lead, the 25-year-old was punished for missing at double eight and three times at double four as Evetts went 2-1 in front.

But Sherrock forced a decider and dominated the final set, finishing with a double 18 to spark bedlam in the Alexandra Palace crowd.

"I have proved that we can play the men and can beat them," said Sherrock.

"I am speechless. I don't know what to say. Thank you everyone," she said. "I feel really happy because I have made something for women's darts.

"I can't believe it. To do that on the biggest stage, wow. I am so happy that I can continue it rather than go out.

"This is definitely one of the best moments I've had. I'm just so happy. I've just made history. I can't believe it. I've made a great achievement for women's darts."

Sherrock was a 2000/1 outsider before the tournament got underway, but after her victory over world number 77 Evetts those odds have more than halved.

Tuesday results:

First round:

Ryan Searle (Eng) 3-2 Robbie King (Aus)

Cristo Reyes (Spa) 3-2 Lourence Ilagan (Phi)

Rowby-John Rodriguez (Aut) 0-3 Noel Malicdem (Phi)

Ritchie Edhouse (Eng) 3-1 Boris Koltsov (Rus)

Jose De Sousa (Por) 0-3 Damon Heta (Aus)

Ted Evetts (Eng) 2-3 Fallon Sherrock (Eng)

Second round:

Jeffrey de Zwaan (Ned) 3-2 Darin Young (US)

Krzysztof Ratajski (Pol) 3-1 Zoran Lerchbacher (Aut)