North Walsham's former world champion Steve Beaton has made it through to the second round of the William Hill PDC World Darts Championship.

The 51-year-old won the opening sets 3-1 and 3-0 against William O'Connor on day one at Alexandra Palace, before his opponent took the third 3-0. Beaton completed the victory, winning the fourth set 3-1, to move into the last 32.

Originally from Coventry, Beaton was BDO world champion in 1996 and represented England for 10 years. He will face Dave Chisnall or Vincent van der Voort in the second round next Friday.

'I know William can play well,' Beaton told the PDC website. 'But I sneaked the first set and I thought after I got the second set, he didn't get off the stage – he tried to get himself focused.

'I thought the last two sets we both played how we can play. He's just got to learn, I mean I'm still learning! I still get the butterflies and I'm tense and everything but I love it. I couldn't believe the ending there, we were both banging them in and I just came out on top.'

Mervyn King, from Bradwell, plays his first round match against Zoran Lerchbacher during tomorrow's afternoon session, while Norwich ace Darren Webster begins his campaign on Thursday, facing Devon Peterson in the first round.