GARY Anderson survived a scare before booking his place in the third round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The Burnham-on-Sea resident, and two-time world champion, was made to work hard by Northern Ireland's Kevin Burness on Friday night, coming through in four sets.

Anderson won a tight opening set with an measured 13-darter, only for Burness to level matters with a 16-dart break in the fourth leg of the second.

Although the Burnham star was not at his best, he ticked off the next six legs, hitting seven 180s to secure the victory, setting up a third-round meeting with the winner of Jermaine Wattimena versus Michael Barnard next Saturday evening.

There was also success for Anderson's fellow Somerset contender Ryan Searle, who won 3-0 over Stephen Burton in the first round on Saturday evening.

Somerset County Gazette:

GOOD START: Ryan Searle won his first-round match at Alexandra Palace. Pic: Mark Kerton/PA Wire

Searle, from Wellington, now faces Austrian star Mensur Suljovic in the second round, on Thursday evening.

Live coverage from Alexandra Palace continues on Sky Sports, through to the final on Tuesday, January 1.