Gary Anderson has began his quest for a third World Championship with a superb display to see off Madars Razma 3-1 in sets.
Anderson claimed victory with a 96.8 average, four 180's and a high checkout of 161 as he diminished injury fears to move through to the Third Round.
Anderson had a straight forward start to the tie with the first set being claimed without reply despite only averaging 86.7.
But Razma fought back with a superb set of his own sealing it 3-1 to level the match with a 94.4 average. His only lost leg came with Anderson taking out 87 after Razma had gone seven darts into a nine-darter.
He took the lead in the third set but Anderson went 2-1 up with a second 180 and a 101 checkout to break and from there he sealed it to go 2-1 up in sets.
He headed towards the finishing line with a 161 to move within a leg but he squandered two match darts and Razma took out 76 to force a decider.
This proved a mere consolation though as Anderson took it next leg first time on double 20.
2021 PDC World Darts Championship schedule
Wednesday December 23
Afternoon Session (12:00 GMT)
Ricky Evans (93.61) 3-1 (88.89) Mickey Mansell (R2) (1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
Gary Anderson (96.86) 3-1 (91.92) Madars Razma (R2) (3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-2)
Stephen Bunting v Andy Boulton (R2)
Mensur Suljovic v Matthew Edgar (R2)