Birthday boy Anderson fends off tough test from Razma to open PDC World Darts Championship campaign

As expected, it was a tough examination for Gary Anderson in his opener at the PDC World Darts Championship but one he prevailed in nonetheless with a 3-1 victory for 'The Flying Scotsman' as he moves into the third round at the Alexandra Palace.

The two-time World Champion celebrates his 52nd birthday today and will now return after Christmas to face either Chris Dobey or Martijn Kleermaker.

It was a high quality first set which was edged by Anderson who took out 2-0 for the lead before sealing it on double eight with Razma finding his way back into the set and pushing him the distance.

The Latvian found his way into the tie during the second set producing a 121 checkout to break at 1-1. He back that up with a 134 to go 2-1 up before taking the set 3-2 in the end with a 52 checkout on double 16.

He led in the third set taking out 154 to break Anderson at 2-1 but missed four darts for the set and Anderson returned for double four to edge it 3-2.

From there, this provided the tonic for Anderson to surge to the finish line as he produced a 121 checkout to go 2-1 up and sealed it with a 110 checkout.