Fifth seed Jonny Clayton wanted a deciding set to finally overcome world quantity 44 Niels Zonneveld and attain the final 16 of the PDC World Championship.
Welshman Clayton, 51, was again in motion after a 12-day break, having obtained a bye by way of to spherical three as a result of his second-round opponent Dom Taylor was suspended for failing a medicine take a look at.
The primary six units of a high-quality match all went with the throw, Clayton transferring a set in entrance of Zonneveld on three separate events, however the Dutch left-hander saved responding in a formidable show.
Nevertheless, the previous Premier League champion discovered the important thing break of throw within the second leg of the deciding set earlier than sealing victory.
Each gamers averaged greater than 98, whereas Clayton hit 11 180s to Zonneveld’s seven.
Seventeen of the 32 seeds went out of the match within the opening two rounds and Clayton advised Sky Sports activities: “I do not watch the video games however I comply with all the outcomes and it is an opportunity [to go far in the tournament].
“I am not going to lie, I look and suppose ‘there’s one other one gone’ and it offers me hope that I can do it. I am trying ahead to each time I get on this stage and I really feel good.”
In spherical 4, Clayton will play the winner of Saturday night’s opening match between Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko and Andreas Harrysson of Sweden.
