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23:48 GMT - That ends our coverage tonight, but do join us again tomorrow as Dimitri Van den Bergh, Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries and Peter Wright, among others, look to book their place in the next round.
The action gets underway at Ally Pally from 12:45 GMT:
Jeffrey de Graaf v Paolo Nebrida
Kevin Doets v Krzysztof Ratajski
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Callan Rydz
See you then!
23:18 GMT - Littler joins Michael van Gerwen, Chris Dobey, Ryan Joyce, Ricardo Pietreczko and Nathan Aspinall in the last 16 following their victories earlier today.
Here's a recap of how the day unfolded:
Scott Williams 1-4 Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall 4-0 Andrew Gilding
Michael van Gerwen 4-2 Brendan Dolan
23:02 GMT - Luke Littler has spoken to Sky Sports following his win over Ian White and explained how he needed to stay focussed in order to progress.
"It was tough. Ian threw everything at me. If I hit a 180, he hit back with a 180 so I had to stay switched on," he said. "It was just a case of settling in quick. The first set was OK. But after the first break I was really up for it.
"When you're 3-1 up, last break and you have that feeling that you're only three legs away and that's what I said to myself.
"I don't think double 10 liked me tonight and I didn't like them! I was thinking of switching up to double 18 or double 16, but I stuck at the doubles I know and double 10 got me home."
Littler will face Ryan Joyce, who battled past Ryan Searle 4-3 in the opening match of the day, in the last 16.
22:49 GMT - Luke Littler beats Ian White 4-1 to reach the last 16
3-1: Despite being far from his best, Littler has battled through to the last 16. He thumps home a 140 to leave 25 and he takes it with 5 and D10.
2-1: It’s 180 number 12 for Littler… and he goes one leg away from the match with an 80 checkout (T20, 10 and D5).
1-1: 180 number 11 for Littler but he fails on D10 for a 47 checkout as White hits tops for the leg.
1-0: Littler is three legs away from the last 16 and takes the D5 to hold throw.
22:45 GMT - Littler goes 3-1 up against White
3-2: White fails on tops to complete a 110 checkout allowing Littler to take it on D10! He lets out a huge roar. Littler takes the leg and is one set away from the match. White will surely be stunned to be 3-1 down.
2-2: White storms back! He takes his sixth 180 of the match to leave 60 as the 17-year-old takes another maximum of his own to put him on 74. White misses on D20 and D10 but Littler is too high on his visit! White takes D10 to level the legs.
2-1: Littler hits an eighth maximum but White fails on D20 for the leg. Littler is on 35 and takes it on D10.
1-1: Littler looks at clearing 130 with White on 243, but he leaves 40 - to the boos of Ally Pally - which he takes with tops on his next visit.
0-1: Oosh. Another 180 for Littler reduces 350 to 170. Both are left on 40. Littler narrowly misses tops for the leg as White takes it.
22:33 GMT - Littler takes a 2-1 lead over White
3-0: Littler is flying round the board! Another 180 and he completes an 88 checkout with bull at the first attempt.
2-0: Littler has only completed five of 18 checkouts so far and that has cost him dear. But he then reduces 132 to 52 and takes it on double tops! Back-to-back legs in 27 darts and he's taking charge.
1-0: Both Litter and White are averaging over 98 as White punches the eighth 180 of the match, but Littler holds throw with double tops.
22:26 GMT - White levels the match 1-1 against Littler
1-3: White is making Littler work here. Littler throws 180 but can’t find tops on 72. White also misses tops and D10. Over to Littler for the leg - be he misses D20 and D10! Up steps White who punches D5 to level the match.
1-2: Littler fights back with another 180 to reduce 294, and takes out 114 on tops. Brilliant.
0-2: Littler and White throw 180s but White checks out 86 to break the 17-year-old who fails to finish on 125.
0-1: Littler is once again slow off the mark, missing two T20 for a 140 finish, allowing White to take D10 at the second attempt to hold throw.
22:11 GMT - Littler takes a 1-0 lead over White in a nervy opening
3-2: Littler also struggled in the early stages of his opening match against Ryan Meikle but he's off the mark with a 52 checkout on double tops.
2-2: Littler clocks his first 180 but misses bull for a brilliant 167 checkout. Littler takes D10 on the second attempt to level the legs against throw.
1-2: Another 180 for White but he misses bull to break throw. Littler misses tops. White then misses D4 and D2! Littler misses D10 and D5! Wow. White misses D2 - this is astonishing - before taking D1 for the leg. What a nervy start this is.
1-1: White opens the leg with the first maximum and holds throw with tops. Littler is stranded on 259.
1-0: Littler reduces 148 to 60 but then can only take out 40. He returns and takes D7 after missing the double 10 for a 20-darter. Not the most solid of starts, but he holds throw.
21:45 GMT - Next up: Luke Littler faces Ian White for a place in the last 16! Runner up last year, the Premier League and Grand Slam champion is back. Here we go. Littler will throw first.
21:40 GMT - Michael Van Gerwen has been speaking to Sky Sports after his "really difficult" win over Brendan Dolan.
"It was tough," he said. "It was really hard, a really difficult game. Everyone could see Brendan never gives up.
"I tried to punish him at the right moments and I wasn't capable of doing it. I can only blame myself for that. I'm so glad that D8 went in at the end.
"I thought after the 1-1, I played two really good sets but I let it slip away. The fifth set was absolutely crap. You're not allowed to do that.
"He's like a fighter and never gives up and you don't want to put yourself in trouble, but I nearly did."
Van Gerwen will next face either Jeffrey de Graaf or Paolo Nebrida, who play tomorrow, for a place in the quarter-final.
21:31 GMT - Michael Van Gerwen beats Brendan Dolan 4-2
3-2: Dolan has forced Van Gerwen all the way here, but can the Dutchman hold throw for the match? Dolan throws another 180 to pile on the pressure and Van Gerwen fails to clear 80 - but Dolan then misses bull! It’s match dart for the Dutchman and he takes D8 on his third attempt!
2-2: Another maximum for Van Gerwen lowers his score to 110 but Dolan fights back yet again with a brilliant 123 checkout (19, T18 and bullseye).
2-1: Van Gerwen hits his ninth maximum before Dolan steps up for his fifth maximum. Brilliant stuff. T20 leaves two at D10 and the Dutchman nails it on his final dart.
1-1: Dolan is fighting to stay in the world championship and levels the leg with a 64 checkout on D8.
1-0: Van Gerwen lowers his score to 28 and takes it with D14 on throw.
21:30 GMT - Dolan wins fifth set but trails 3-2 to Van Gerwen
1-3: A maximum from Van Gerwen kicks-off the fourth leg and he lowers his score to 28 with his 17th 140. Dolan misses double tops for the set but Van Gerwen can’t close from D14 or D7 and Dolan comes back to the oche and takes it with D5!
1-2: Van Gerwen is two legs away from the last 16 but Dolan is fighting back, punching his 12th 140 of the match to lower his score before taking a huge D16 to keep the set on throw.
1-1: Van Gerwen thumps his sixth maximum and a 140 takes him down to 48. Two misses on D16 would prove costly, but Dolan isn’t on a finish and Van Gerwen takes it on his fifth dart.
0-1: Dolan hasn’t given up hope and hits his fourth 180 before taking the leg with double tops on throw. The Dutchman was stranded on 240.
21:17 GMT - Van Gerwen takes a 3-1 lead over Dolan to move one set away from the last 16
3-0: Van Gerwen hits a 180 and Dolan is stunned. The three-time champion clears 76 with double tops to average just shy of 119 and wins his eighth leg in a row!
2-0: Van Gerwen takes over 97 average and Dolan needs to steady himself here. But what can he do about that? A 174 visit from Van Gerwen puts him under pressure and Dolan misses three D19. The Dutchman doubles his lead with a D4.
1-0: Van Gerwen holds throw with a stunning 149 checkout (T20, T19 and D16). He’s turning the screw.
21:10 GMT - Van Gerwen leads Dolan 2-1
3-0: Dolan really needs 107 with Van Gerwen on 78, but he misses tops. Van Gerwen gives him hope with a missed D6 and Dolan fails with all three darts on D10! Van Gerwen takes the lead with a D3. Ruthless.
2-0: Dolan scores his second 180 of the match and waves his finger in the air in celebration. But the party is cut short as Van Gerwen hits a 140 to reduce his score to 16, piling pressure on Dolan who can only reduce his 112 to 20. The Dutchman doubles his lead with D8.
1-0: Van Gerwen scores a wonderful 180 to take 270 down to 90 and takes the 11-dart leg with T18 and D18.
21:01 GMT - Van Gerwen levels 1-1 against Dolan
3-1: Van Gerwen and Dolan exchange maximums and the Dutchman takes the leg and set with a superb 129 finish on D12.
2-1: Van Gerwen has three darts at 20 and misses all three on D10! Dolan can take it with a 156 checkout but thumps a single 20. Back to Van Gerwen who misses the D10 before taking the D5 at last.
1-1: Dolan fights back against throw with a 72 checkout on D12.
1-0: Dolan fails to clear 167 and it’s punished as Van Gerwen takes out 92 with the second double-double (20, D18, D18) of the night.
20:47 GMT - Dolan wins the first set against Van Gerwen
2-3: Dolan can take the leg here with Van Gerwen slowly lowering his score from 347 and 221 to 164. The world number 30 clears 72 with double tops to take the first set.
2-2: Dolan hits 140 to reduce his score to 86 and levels the legs with a bullseye. What a way to do it!
2-1: Van Gerwen takes the first 180 of the match and breaks throw with D16 on 69. He punches the air in delight.
1-1: Van Gerwen holds throw with D8 after a 146 put him on 19 with Dolan left with 121.
0-1: Dolan throws a whopping 177 and takes the leg with D12 at the second time of asking.
20:33 GMT - The players are walking out - we're moments away! Dolan will throw first.
20:23 GMT - Next up at the Ally Pally oche sees three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen going head-to-head with Brendan Dolan.
20:22 GMT - Chris Dobey has spoken of his delight after beating Josh Rock to reach the last 16.
He told Sky Sports: "It's always great. Every time I play Josh we have great games. We dug out another belter of a game there and I'm just delighted to get that win.
"It's another tough encounter but it's another one I'm delighted to get through. We were neck and neck in the rankings but that gives me a bit of breathing space now."
Dobey will face either Kevin Doets or Krzysztof Ratajski in the next round and be the heavy favourite to reach the quarter-final with that performance.
20:18 GMT - Chris Dobey comes from behind to beat Josh Rock 4-2
3-1: It’s now Dobey’s time to shine with his ninth 180 of the match. He fails to clear 140 to leave 96. It’s tricky as Rock hits 180 to lower his score to 50. Back to Dobey who takes two D19s for the match!
2-1: Rock is not finished yet! Another 180 lowers his score to 98 and he really needs to take this checkout to stay in the match – and he does! He clears D19 and double tops for the leg! Wow!
2-0: Dobey is dashing for the line. Another 180 up and he takes a 2-0 lead with D12 on 24. Superb.
1-0: Dobey is on fire. He takes a massive D16 for the leg and is two away from victory.
20:10 GMT - Dobey leads Rock 3-2
3-2: Dobey reduces 160 to 60 as Rock lowers 210 to 76 – but he can’t clear double tops for the leg and it’s over to Dobey for tops for the leg and set. He's one set away for the match!
2-2: We are level again! Rock takes the leg with brilliant 106 checkout on double tops. We go to a decider.
2-1: Another lost throw as Rock comes fighting back with a 114 checkout on double tops. Dobey looks away in disgust.
2-0: The 180s keep rolling but Dobey can’t hit D8 to clear 16 but it doesn’t matter as Rock can’t complete a 86 checkout. The Englishman comes back to the oche to punch D4 for a 2-0 lead.
1-0: Dobey throws first and holds with a D4 on his final dart. He leads for the first time in the match.
19:57 GMT - Dobey wins the set 3-0 to level the match with Rock 2-2
3-0: Dobey is hitting over 112 average and takes a whopping maximum to tee up 6 with Rock on 60. Rock then misses six darts, but Dobey then misses three on D3 before finally taking it for the set!
2-0: What a response this is for Dobey who hits five perfect darts and takes the leg with a 96 checkout for an 11-dart finish.
1-0: It’s the fourth 180 for Dobey and he takes the opening leg with a 68 checkout with T20 and D4 ith Rock on 98.
19:50 GMT - Rock takes a 2-1 lead over Dobey
1-3: Rock lowers his score to 40 from 172 with Dobey on 106 and takes the set with double tops.
1-2: Dobey on 70 misses D16 for the leg allowing Rock to clear 48, but he misses D16 and D8 as Dobey returns to take D16 to save the set.
0-2: Rock throws two maximums and takes the leg with D16 on 45 for an 11-dart finish.
0-1: Dobey throws first and lowers 116 to 60 but Rock checks out 68 with D16 for yet another break of throw!
19:32 GMT - Dobey fights back to level the match 1-1 against Rock
3-1: Dobey completes a 64 checkout with D16 – a 108 average for that leg. Wow.
2-1: Rock takes his third maximum of the match – as Dobey returns the favour with back-to-back 180s! Rock can take it will a bull to clear 170 but agonisingly hits the outer bull. Dobey takes the 11-dart leg with D16. Fantastic darts from the duo!
1-1: It’s all going against throw at the moment as Rock takes the leg with a D8 for a 41 checkout.
1-0: Rock is averaging 88 with Dobey on 82 but he can't clear 112 allowing Dobey to win the leg against throw on D16.
19:30 GMT - Rock takes the opening set to lead 1-0 against Dobey
1-3: Can Rock be the first to hold throw in this match to win the set? He takes another 180 and lowers his score to 81 after Dobey misses D11 for the leg. Dobey misses two more leg darts as Rock takes the set on a D8.
1-2: Another break of throw as Rock completes a 48 checkout on D8 with Dobey on 40.
1-1: Rock takes the bull to lower his score to 55 but misses two darts on tops for the leg. Dobey on 89 misses the bull allowing Rock back in, but he misses two on D10! Dobey wins the leg on D16.
0-1: Rock nails 180 on his first visit and Ally Pally erupts. He takes the first leg with a break of throw on D4.
19:15 GMT - Dobey and Rock are walking out for the first match of the evening. And we're off!
Dobey will throw first.
18:45 GMT - We are a little over 30 minutes away from the first match of the evening session with Chris Dobey against Josh Rock.
This will be a huge night for Dobey or Rock with the winner set to face either unseeded Kevin Doets or world number 31 Krzysztof Ratajski for a place in the quarter-finals.
16:52 GMT - Looking ahead to tonight now with Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen taking to the Ally Pally stage. The action will get underway at around 19:15 GMT.
Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan
16:37 GMT - That brings an end to a pretty good afternoon session at Alexandra Palace. Ryan Joyce, Ricardo Pietreczko and Nathan Aspinall are your winners and they make it through to round four.
Recapping the results...
Scott Williams 1-4 Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall 4-0 Andrew Gilding
16:34 GMT - Nathan Aspinall thrashes Andrew Gilding 4-0!
3-1: The leg starts with Aspinall pausing to allow someone in the crowd to down a pitcher!
Back to the action, he sets himself up 58 and erases it to move into the next round.
Far from a classic, but a 4-0 win is a 4-0 win nonetheless.
2-1: Aspinall does well to set up 74 and doesn't take it out, but it's no issue with Gilding not threatening a finish. With 20 left, Aspinall nails D10 in one to move one leg from victory.
1-1: Gilding sets himself up on 50 and Aspinall is left on 170 behind. 'Goldfinger' comes back up and hits tops at the first time of asking.
1-0: Aspinall squanders three darts at double and Gilding is up, but he's equally as poor. Aspinall returns and nails D8 for a nervy hold.
16:20 GMT - Aspinall extends his lead
3-2: Gilding has the darts for the set but is in trouble with Aspinall battling ahead. Aspinall has 101 to take out... and he does! He has a 3-0 lead and is one set away from round four.
2-2: Aspinall has 64 and crafts himself a D8 finish to take set three into a deciding leg. This is a big one in terms of the match's landscape.
1-2: Now it's Gilding's turn to hit some big ones and he leaves himself tops, which he finds.
1-1: Aspinall scores well to reduce down to 90 and has shots in hand with Gilding away. He eventually hits D6 to level.
0-1: Aspinall has two shots at tops to break and Gilding returns to bin 68 on D16 to take a nervy first leg.
16:03 GMT - Aspinall doubles his set lead
3-2: Gilding has a chance to get rid of 46 but doesn't on D10, letting off Aspinall twice. 'The Asp' sets up D16 from 70 and goes 2-0 up!
2-2: Good response by Gilding as he's left with 121. He has plenty of darts at it and it goes after five for a hold.
2-1: Aspinall is finding his rhythm and hits his third 180 of the match and reduces his score to 88. It disappears and he holds throw.
1-1: Gilding is unable to capitalise on that break with a poor leg as Aspinall races down to 32. It goes and we're back on throw.
0-1: That's better from Gilding... what a leg! He takes out 124 in 12 darts against the throw to seize the early break!
15:44 GMT - Aspinall edges in front after a slow first set
3-1: A better leg from both and Aspinall is left with 25 and returns to take it out with his next visit. The first hold of what has been quite a slow start, but he won't care as he grabs the set.
'The Asp' looks far from his best so far and he knows it as he trudges off a little frustrated with himself.
2-1: You guessed it – another break! Aspinall is afforded a shot at tops by Gilding and wipes out 96 for a third straight break of throw. He'll throw for the set.
1-1: It's a little messy from both players – especially Aspinall – as Gilding returns to get 45 off the table for the instant break back.
1-0: Gilding takes his time but can't take out 52 allowing Aspinall back up. He has an 84 and converts clinically to break early!
15:29 GMT - Aspinall comes out to his adoring 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers, getting the crowd right up for this one. Quality walk-on.
15:20 GMT - Final match of the afternoon coming up now and it's Nathan Aspinall taking on the tricky Andrew Gilding to end the first half of play.
Gilding will throw first against Aspinall, who won last year's World Matchplay.
15:15 GMT - Ricardo Pietreczko cruises past Scott Williams 4-1!
2-3: Stunning from Pietreczko! Williams is way back with Pietreczko nestled on 121. He gets rid of it using all three darts to cap off a top display.
2-2: Williams allows Pietreczko a shot at victory on 132 after missing 68 but it doesn't go. He comes back and finishes on D8, but Pietreczko will now throw for victory.
1-2: Williams keeps the match alive by pinning D4 to break straight back and return back on throw.
0-2: Pietreczko is showing now signs of slowing down. He nearly takes out a big finish but returns to take out 25 and break. He's one away from round four.
0-1: Not the most tidy leg from both players but it's Pietreczko who does well to nail tops for the early lead. The German fans in attendance bellow in support of their countryman.
14:59 GMT - Pietreczko grabs the fourth brilliantly!
0-3: Wow! What an out by Pietreczko! The German takes the fourth set in superb fashion as he erases 129 via the bull to move 3-1 up in the match!
Pietreczko averaged a huge 118 in the set and is worthy of his lead so far.
0-2: Pietreczko solidifies his break with a high-scoring set of visits and takes out 41 to move two up in the fourth set.
0-1: Pietreczko is down to a 170 himself but misses by one, then Williams adds some pressure. He comes back up and wipes out 25 to break early.
14:52 GMT - Williams is on the board in the match
3-1: Williams misses his final dart to land the 'Big Fish' 170 out but returns to pin D9 to halve the deficit in the match!
2-1: Williams has the chance for the set but misses D4 and D2. Pietreczko is up and removes his score to get on the board in the set.
2-0: Williams consolidates his break by holding with a 44 finish with Pietreczko well off. He'll throw for the third set.
1-0: That'll lift the mood for Williams! 'Shaggy' nets an 83 finish and lets out a big roar as he breaks in the first leg.
14:40 GMT - Pietreczko extends his lead
1-3: Pietreczko sets himself up on 40 with Williams trailing and he returns to hit tops with his second dart. He's looking in the groove.
1-2: Williams looks a step below Pietreczko at the moment and the German breaks! He'll throw for a 2-0 lead in the match.
1-1: Pietreczko responds confidently and levels on throw. The German contingent start chanting 'Pikachu, Pikachu' around Ally Pally.
0-1: Williams takes the first leg in pretty convincing fashion on tops.
14:28 GMT - Pietreczko claims an entertaining first set
2-3: Pietreczko races down to 126 and nearly takes it out on the bull. Williams pressures with a huge 171 but Pietreczko takes out 25 in three darts for the opener.
2-2: It's a bit loose from Williams and Pietreczko has a chance on 57, which he takes to break back and force a deciding leg.
2-1: Williams seems to be finding his scoring quickly here and hits two 180s to leave 41. He hits D8 to grab the first break of throw in the match.
1-1: Williams lets Pietreczko in after failing to take out 40 and he misses the final dart to erase 125! Williams come back in and eventually hits his double.
0-1: Pietreczko sets the tone with a tidy hold in the opening leg to get the travelling German fans up on their feet.
14:10 GMT - Up next, the entertaining Scott Williams takes on Ricardo Pietreczko of Germany. Pietreczko is on throw against last year's semi-finalist.
14:03 GMT - Ryan Joyce fends off Ryan Searle to win 4-3!
4-2: Searle has a chance on 70 but it's catastrophic as he hits the 1! Joyce has barely missed on D18 and of course hits it to win a brilliant match!
Searle averaged more than a ton but was powerless against Joyce's finishing as he hit 62 per cent of his checkouts.
3-2: Joyce is scoring big and is down on 113... which he erases on D18 with his last dart! He needs one more leg again!
2-2: Joyce pressures Searle's throw with a 180 but can't take out 80. Searle returns and nailed D10 right on the wire to force a tie-break! Two clear legs needed here.
2-1: Joyce suffers a bounce-out in the leg but it doesn't hinder him as Searle misses tops on 98. Joyce gets rid of his score on D16 to move one away!
1-1: Searle can't remove 164 and allows Joyce an opportunity with 96. He sets up on D18 and nails it to break straight back.
0-1: Joyce has 12 remaining and is agonisingly close to the wire on D6. Searle steps up for D7 and he hits it to break!
13:50 GMT - Searle sends it into a decider!
2-3: Here comes Searle! Another maximum gets him down to 40 eventually and he hits tops to send the match into a deciding set!
2-2: Joyce leaves the door open for Searle who takes out a clutch 124 on the bull to break! What a leg of darts from Searle and we go on!
2-1: Searle follows up a maximum with 127 to leave himself 54, which he removes via tops to claim the leg. He'll need a break of throw to stay in this...
2-0: It's more of the same as Searle can't really keep up with Joyce, who gets rid of 68 on D8 to move one leg away from the last 16!
1-0: Joyce scores 171 to get down to 76 and eventually pins D16 for the early break! Searle looking on the ropes all of a sudden.
13:42 GMT - Joyce regains the lead
3-0: Joyce has regained his groove and hits D16 on 50 to retake the lead in the match.
2-0: Searle hits his fifth 180 of the match but it doesn't matter as Searle comes in to get rid of 100 to break!
1-0: The tempo has slowed to open the fifth and Joyce – still clinical on the doubles – erases 85 to hold throw.
13:32 GMT - Searle levels the match!
2-3: Searle is scoring big here and leaves himself a lovely round 40 and he pins tops in one to level the match! Searle averaged a whopping 114 there...
2-2: Joyce come in with a big 180 to leave him 81, which he takes out in two darts. Yet another deciding leg. Really good darts and Searle will throw.
1-2: Joyce stops the rot and claims a timely break back! He hits D8 to extend the set.
0-2: Joyce is under massive pressure from Searle, who leaves 36 after scoring 150. It goes on D18 and Searle earns the break in quick time.
0-1: Searle's average is rocketing and is down to 41 with Joyce miles back. It's gone on tops and momentum looks to be in his favour.
13:23 GMT - Searle is on the board
1-3: Searle has found his scoring form now and has 65 to get rid of with Joyce not on a finish, which he does successfully to get himself on the board in the match.
1-2: Joyce responds and sets himself up on 96 with Searle way back. He can't erase it, but he returns on 36 which is gone on D18 in one.
0-2: Searle throws five perfect darts and gets right down to 40, which he removes to hold. He's woken up here.
0-1: Joyce offers Searle a chance to break... which he does! Searle takes out 97 via D20 and takes the first leg.
13:14 GMT - Joyce earns the first break to extend his lead
3:2: Searle blinks first as Joyce earns the first break in the match! Searle makes a hash of things while on 141 and Joyce eventually pins D18 to go two sets up.
2-2: Searle has the chance for a rare break after a timely maximum but can't take out 87! He returns and misses D5 and Joyce comes in to hit tops for another decider.
1-2: Searle gets rid of 96 on tops to hold throw again! Both are averaging above a ton here and we keep moving.
1-1: Joyce gets down to 32 after his first 180 with Searle not on a finish. He pins D16 in one dart.
0-1: Searle gets the second going with – you guessed it – another hold of throw by taking out 25 after Joyce narrowly missed the bull to remove 164.
13:00 GMT - Joyce edges a competitive first set
3-2: Good scoring from both players leaves ton-plus finishes, which aren't taken out. Joyce then steps up, pins tops and grabs a quality first set.
It's been with the throw so far and Joyce is averaging around 96, below Searle's 99.
2-2: Searle responds well by leaving 60, but he can't take it out. Joyce isn't on a finish and Searle comes back to finish off on D5. Into a deciding leg.
2-1: Another quick one for Joyce as he trundles down to 68 and removes it via D4 with Joyce pressuring.
1-1: Joyce keeps up with Searle but can't do anything as the former takes out 96. Good start to this one.
1-0: Joyce races down to 36 and takes it out confidently in three darts to get the party started.
12:43 GMT - Approaching the opening match of the day which pits Ryan Joyce against Ryan Searle. Joyce will get things going on throw in this one.
11:45 GMT - Yesterday at Alexandra Palace had it all from nine-darters to sudden-death classics.
Luke Humphries solidified his credentials to retain the title after thrashing Nick Kenny 4-0, while Gerwyn Price edged a classic 4-3 against Joe Cullen.
Damon Heta hit the tournament's second nine-darter against Luke Woodhouse but was eventually beaten 4-3.
11:30 GMT - Good morning and welcome to Flashscore's coverage of the third round of the World Darts Championship!
It's another dreary and misty day in London but if yesterday's action is anything to go by, we're in for a good one.
After dazzling in his first match, Luke Littler returns to face Ian White to end the day's six third-round clashes. Michael van Gerwen also plays this evening.
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Scott Williams v Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan
All matches now are best of seven sets.