• World Darts Championship

Anderson scrapes through after dramatic tussle

Gary Anderson won 3-2 at Alexandra Palace © Getty Images

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Gary Anderson took the long road into the second round of the World Darts Championship, eventually beating Jyhan Artut on a sudden-death leg in the fifth set. Anderson was beaten by Adrian Lewis in the most recent world final, but he looked destined to crash out at more than one stage - only to fight back and force his way through.

Germany's Artut wasted no time in introducing himself to the crowd, claiming the first set in some style with checkouts of 116 and 76. He also netted the second, although it was a far less authoritative success; Anderson's composure deserted him entirely and, after he missed several attempts at a double, Artut put him out of his misery.

Anderson kept himself by winning the third set, kicking off with a 120 checkout and using that momentum to edge over the line - although he was not throwing with much fluency, and doubles still looked out of his reach at the first attempt.

The Scot came back to level at 2-2, then a dramatic fifth ensued, with Artut blowing several chances to win the game before Anderson showed his class by producing a 180 in the sudden-death leg, before finally getting the job done.

Michael van Gerwen booked a second-round tie against Mervyn King after beating Colin Osborne 3-1. Van Gerwen had a three-dart average of 94 as he consigned Osborne to a second first-round exit in three years.

Elsewhere, Colin Lloyd came from a set down to conquer Darin Young 3-1. Terry Jenkins recorded a clean sweep over Joe Cullen, cruising to a 3-0 triumph.

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