Despite Cross hailing from Pembury, less than 60 miles from the host venue, the crowd were firmly behind 2007 world champion Van Barneveld, who produced a blistering first set.

It included a 13-dart opener, the second 170 finish of the tournament, and double top for the 54-year-old to claim it 3-1.

The 31-year-old Cross responded by making a dramatic improvement taking his first-set average from 77 to 103.29.

The 2018 champion, a title he won only 11 months after turning professional, landed a 128 finish in the second leg before taking out 93 to level a thrilling contest which already featured eight 180s.

Cross took control from that moment to close out a 3-1 victory.

He is now set to face Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney.

The 35-year-old 22nd seed from Derry breezed past Cross' compatriot Ricky Evans 3-1.

The Netherland's 18 seed Danny Noppert, made his fourth appearance at Alexandra Palace, came from a set down to defeat debutant Jason Heaver of England.

Heaver has shown his potential after reaching the semi-finals of Players Championship 7 earlier this year, and he finished the opening set 3-1 with 75 per cent on the doubles, but the Dutchman got his game together to level the scores courtesy of a 104 checkout.

Despite the modest averages, Noppert cruised through the next two sets to earn a place in the third round and a meeting with England's.

Searle had demolished William Borland of Scotland 3-0.

Germany's Gabriel Clemens landed a stunning 143 on his way to a comprehensive victory against an out-of-sorts Welshman Lewy Williams.

In a match which saw the millionth dart thrown in the World Darts Championship, which first took place in 1994, the German Giant eased through 3-0 to set up a meeting with another Welsh player in Jonny Clayton.

The tournament will now take a break for the Christmas celebrations before resuming on Monday (December 27) with the third round.