Defending champion Peter Wright is through to round three in London ©Getty Images

Defending champion Peter Wright is through to the third round of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship after seeing off Steve West.

Scotland's Wright is the first player through to the third round after a 3-1 win in which his three-dart average was 92.60.

Englishman West had beaten India's Amit Gilitwala 3-0 in round one to earn the right to face Wright.

The top 32 seeds receive a bye to the second round, and second seed Wright was the only one of them in action on the first evening of the tournament.

Tonight's games at the Alexandra Palace in London took place with a limited number of spectators present, but none will be allowed from tomorrow as tougher coronavirus restrictions are about to come into force in the British capital.

Diego Portela knocked out Steve Beaton - who reached the last 16 a year ago - in a first-round upset ©Getty Images
Diego Portela knocked out Steve Beaton - who reached the last 16 a year ago - in a first-round upset ©Getty Images

Brazil's Diego Portela was the big winner on the night, defeating England's Steve Beaton 3-0 in round one.

Beaton was making his record 30th consecutive World Darts Championship appearance, including at the British Darts Organisation's (BDO) rival event some years.

The PDC World Darts Championship is only in its 28th edition.

Canadian Jeff Smith was victorious in today's other match, beating 18-year-old Keane Barry of Ireland 3-1.

Glen Durrant, a three-time BDO world champion, is due to face Portela in tomorrow's standout clash.