Keane Barry eases through to set up Michael van Gerwen clash

Meath's Keane Barry safely navigated his first outing at this year’s World Championship with a 3-1 win over Reynaldo Rivera of the Philippines to set up a clash with world number two Michael van Gerwen on Tuesday.

Rivera, playing slow, took the opening leg but lost his throw twice from there to hand Barry the first set.

Again the underdog took the first leg in set two, but Keane won 3-2 to take a two-set lead.

Keane’s form deserted him in the third set as Rivera sweeped it 3-0, but the Irish player responded to win the next set 3-1 to secure a 3-1 overall success.

Gary Anderson began his quest for a third 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.

"The first set I played better, but I have known Simon a long, long time, he struggled up there," the Scot said. "But happy with the win.

"I am trying to get back, I didn’t want to play darts in the last three years. I am enjoying it again, win or lose, I am enjoying it."

Jamie Hughes was fighting back tears after finally breaking his Ally Pally duck.

The world number 62 had lost his previous four matches on the big stage but put that right by beating David Cameron 3-1.

He said: "I am probably playing the worst I have ever played in my life and I have just won a game. I have played better and lost. I am so, so happy to finally get a win on that stage.

"Hopefu