- Former champion Anderson beat 54-year-old Australian 3-0
- Lee Evans set up match with favourite Luke Humphries
Gary Anderson began his quest for a third World Championship title in style with a handsome victory over Simon Whitlock. The Scot, who won back-to-back crowns at Alexandra Palace in 2015 and 2016, has been looking back to his best this year after a lull and eased through to the third round with a 3-0 success over the Australian.
He set the tone with a 180 with his opening throw of the match and won the first five legs to take command. Anderson, who averaged 98.29, saw it out in style, taking out 116 for the highest checkout of the match.