JONNY Clayton reached the third round of the William Hill World Darts Championship on Sunday at London's Alexandra Palace.

Welsh World Cup winner Clayton defeated Scotland's John Henderson to progress.

Day six of the £2.5m tournament also saw the conclusion of the first round as Nicky Kenny also won his opener.

Clayton fended off a fightback from Henderson, thanks in part to a stunning 140 checkout to level the fourth set as he went on to claim a 3-1 victory.

The Welshman won each of the first two sets 3-1 before Henderson launched a gutsy fightback, reeling off five consecutive legs to pile pressure on the former Players Championship finalist.

Henderson was punished for three missed darts to force a deciding set as Clayton levelled before landing the 140 checkout.

The world number-17 then clinched victory by pinning double ten with his opponent waiting on 60.

"I was determined not to go to a decider because I know what John is capable of," said Clayton.

"He didn't start the game anywhere near his best and I didn't want to let him warm up. I'm really pleased to have managed to fight back in that fourth set and get the job done.

"John is a great guy and one hell of a darts player so I'm a relieved man."

Kenny claimed a hard fought victory on his first appearance at Alexandra Palace, defeating fellow World Championship debutant Derk Telnekes by three sets to two.

The Welsh qualifier twice came from a set behind to seal the win, hitting a pivotal 119 checkout to level at two apiece before winning the final set 3-0 to set up a second round meeting with another Dutch opponent in Jermaine Wattimena.

Van der Voort came back from two sets behind to defeat Meulenkamp in a last-leg decider.

Meuelnekamp, who defeated Boris Krcmar in round one, looked set to be extending his stay in London when he won the opening set 3-1 before a 144 checkout helped him double his lead.

Van der Voort battled back, winning six of the next seven legs to force a fifth set in which all five legs went with the throw for the 45-year-old to secure a place in the third round.

"Ron played well to start with and so did I but he started to drop off and I took advantage of that," said Van der Voort.

"I've been keeping fit and I'm in a better position physically than I have been for a few years. My form is there and I need to make sure I am mentally prepared as well because this is my best chance of doing well in a long time."

Somerset star Searle booked his place in round three for the third successive year after an impressive straight sets success over De Zwaan.

Searle, who won his first PDC title in 2020, defied nine 180s from his Dutch opponent thanks some clinical finishing.

The first set went to a deciding leg, which Searle won after kicking off the match with a 120 checkout.

The William Hill World Darts Championship continues tonight,.