TWO-TIME world champion Gary Anderson will resume his quest for a third darts world title after Christmas.

The Musselburgh-born darts star secured his place in the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Saturday by overcoming opponent Simon Whitlock 3-0.

Anderson had things pretty much all his own way against the 2008 BDO World Darts Championship and 2010 PDC World Darts Championship runner-up.

He dropped just three legs over the three sets and finished with an average of 98.29, compared to his opponent’s 88.38.

Speaking after the victory, Anderson told the governing body’s website: “I’ve known Simon for a long time, and he was struggling up there tonight.

“It is hard to play against that. I’m expecting the 140s, 180s, the big finishes.

“Simon is notorious for the 170 checkouts, but he came back at the end there, so I’m glad to get over the line.

“I have said it many times. I haven’t wanted to play darts over the last three years but, win or lose, I’m enjoying the game again.

“I’m getting there!”

Anderson will now face either Boris Krcmar or Dirk van Duijvenbode in the third round, with contests due to be played between Wednesday and next Friday (December 29).

Anderson, who turns 53 today (Friday), defeated Phil Taylor 7-6 in a memorable final in 2015 before retaining his crown 12 months later by beating Adrian Lewis 7-5.

The Scotsman, who reached the last four at the 2022 event, is also a three-time runner-up at the showpiece tournament – losing to Lewis in 2011, Michael van Gerwen in 2017, and Gerwyn Price in 2021.