World number one Gerwyn Price fought his way into the third round of the Darts World Cup in London.
"The Iceman", as the Welshman is known, defeated Luke Woodhouse from England 3-1 late on Monday evening and kept his nerve after a weak start.
Price needs to win the tournament at Alexandra Palace if he wants to be world number one after the World Cup.
The co-favourites had to deal with some whistles and boos from the fans, especially in the early stages.
In the third round, which begins after the three-day Christmas break, the former world champions could duel: Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld is a possible opponent.
Before that, "Barney" has to master his first test against Englishman Ryan Meikle on Tuesday evening.
So far, none of the big favorites have been eliminated from the World Cup.
Former baseball player one round ahead
Former baseball player Leonard Gates, meanwhile, caused an upset and advanced to the second round.
The 52-year-old defeated Dutchman Geert Nentjes 3-1 on Monday evening and thus scored his first individual win on his debut.
"I definitely had ambitions to be a Major League Baseball player.
It is comparatively easy to get in, but difficult to stay there.
That's why for me it was about: What now? ", the Texan Gates described his career.
In round two, Gates will face England's Stephen Bunting.
Meanwhile, veteran Simon Whitlock just missed a surprise and was eliminated in the second round.
The 53-year-old Australian, World Cup finalist in 2010, lost to the world number 17 on Monday.
Jose de Sousa (Portugal) 2-3.
Whitlock gave up a 2-0 set lead.
Welsh Lewis Williams, who had no trouble beating Dutchman Niels Zonneveld 3-0, is also one round ahead.
Williams almost managed a nine-darter, but the 20-year-old "only" landed eight perfect darts.