Whitlock powers on

Simon Whitlock again made light of his injury struggles to claim a place in the last 16 of the World Darts Championship with a 4-1 win over Steve Beaton.

Whitlock, who came into the tournament nursing a broken ankle, won eight legs in a row from 2-0 down in the first set to lead by two sets and two legs.

Beaton rallied to claw back the third set 3-2, but Whitlock edged the fourth and fifth to book a meeting with Michael van Gerwen, a 4-1 winner over Mervyn King.

"Steve did miss a few chances which could have changed the course of the match," Whitlock told www.pdc.tv.

"My leg is still hurting a bit, but my throwing arm is absolutely fine, which is the important thing!

"I'm playing Michael next and that will be tough. He's playing some excellent darts and has just beaten Mervyn King, which is no easy feat."

In Wednesday afternoon's third match, Colin Lloyd beat Scott Rand 4-1.

He will next face the winner of the evening match between Gary Anderson and Devon Petersen.