Andy Hamilton survived a scare as he booked his place in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship on Sunday afternoon.

The World No 7 stuttered his way to a 4-2 victory over qualifier Tony Ayres but looked well short of the form he had produced in averaging 100-plus in round one.

Indeed Ayres took the first set as Hamilton averaged just 77 and also led 2-1 before 'Hammer' turned on the style - including a 170 finish - to move through.

Ronnie Baxter came from a set down to beat Denis Ovens 4-1 and book his place in the last 16.

Ovens ultimately paid the price for six missed darts for the fourth set, which would have levelled the game had any gone in, but saw him fall 3-1 down in sets as Baxter pulled through for victory.

'The Rocket' then wrapped up the match in quick time, hitting a maximum in taking the opening leg and two 15-dart finishes in succession to seal victory.

Baxter said: "It was very much a case of job done. I gave away the first set, which was a bit unlike me but I relaxed as the game went on."

Barrie Bates also moved through as he saw off Bill Davis 4-2.

Bates fell behind on two occasions to the American, who ousted reigning champion John Part in round one, but won three successive sets to reach the third round for the second successive year.