DAVE CHISNALL laid down a marker to his William Hill World Darts Championship rivals with a brilliant second round victory on Boxing Day as defending champion Gary Anderson and Jamie Caven also enjoyed wins at Alexandra Palace.

Chisnall produced the highest average of this year's tournament so far, posting just under 103 as he defeated former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist in five sets with an excellent display.

The former World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts finalist also hit more 180s than any other player so far, hammering home 12 maximums as he moved into the last 16, where he will meet Peter Wright or Ronny Huybrechts.

"It's going to take something amazing to beat me," said Chisnall, who is yet to make it past the third round at London's Alexandra Palace.

"I think that was the best performance I've ever had here so I know I'm in good form. My next opponent doesn't even enter my head. I know I can beat anyone and I'll have to to win this tournament."

Reigning World Champion Anderson came from a set behind to defeat Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney in five sets.

The world number two produced finishes of 170 and 155 in an exciting match where four of the five sets went to deciding legs as Anderson gained revenge for his defeat to Gurney at last month's Players Championship Finals.

"It wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline suggested," admitted Anderson, who will take on Holland's Vincent van der Voort or Australia's Kyle Anderson in the third round.

"Daryl could have probably won that match but he missed a few doubles and I hit mine at the right times. I did feel a bit of pressure because it felt like the first round again but it's just another game of darts to me.

"Whatever happens here, I'll always be a World Champion. That can never be taken away from now but it would be nice to win another. To do that I just have to put the work in and concentrate on one game at a time."

Caven enjoyed a second round victory on the Ally Pally stage for the first time, dropping just one leg in a straight sets win against Ricky Evans, who was unable to repeat the epic comeback he produced to knock out world number ten Simon Whitlock before Christmas.

Caven, who has won seven PDC ranking titles, won ten legs in a row to close out an impressive success in a quick-fire contest which took only 23 minutes of playing time.

"I'm over the moon," said Caven, who will take on James Wade or Wes Newton in the last 16.

"I knew it was going to be tough and to only drop one leg is probably a little bit flattering but it's a relief for me to get through to the last 16 for the first time. I just had to block everything out and play my game and I think I achieved that."

The second round continues with a double session on Sunday with former champions Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld, and major title winners Wade and Stephen Bunting all in action.

William Hill World Darts Championship.

Second Round.

Saturday December 26.

Ricky Evans 0-4 Jamie Caven.

Dave Chisnall 4-1 Christian Kist.

Gary Anderson 4-1 Daryl Gurney.

Sunday December 27.

Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm).

Michael Smith v Steve Beaton.

Dimitri Van den Bergh v Benito van de Pas.

Vincent van der Voort v Kyle Anderson.

Evening Session (7pm-11pm).

Raymond van Barneveld v Stephen Bunting.

James Wade v Wes Newton.

Michael van Gerwen v Darren Webster.