Darts: Part sees off veteran challenger

John Part saw off a spirited challenge from the veteran Cliff Lazarenko to reach the third round of the PDC World Championship at Purfleet's Circus Tavern yesterday.

The former world champion, who is seeded second behind the 10-times world champion Phil Taylor, won 4-1, even though he was never at his best.

The Canadian cruised through the opening set without conceding a leg, but was forced to work harder for the second, as Lazarenko, 50, checked out on 116 in the opening rubber of the set. However, Part hit back with a 12-dart leg to take a 2-0 lead, then added the third set without dropping a leg despite some less than clinical finishing.

Lazarenko was in no mood for a timid surrender and rallied to take the fourth set on a deciding leg. However, Part improved his accuracy on the doubles in the following set to seal victory. He will face Scotland's Jamie Harvey in the third round.

The fourth seed Alan Warriner is also safely through to the third round after defeating Rod Harrington 4-2.