Darts star Raymond Van Barneveld overcame a scare to reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

The former champion was trailing Ronnie Baxter 3-2 last night before clawing his way back to five legs each.

The Dutchman took the tie in sudden death with a double-top after Baxter missed two chances to kill the match off.

Van Barneveld said: “I try only to think about my own performance but out there it was England v Holland.

“When you are on the stage you can hear the fans all singing Eng-er-land, Eng-er-land, Eng-er-land and if you allow it, it can get to you.

“Ronnie is a British hero and he put up such a fight. He has given me a New Year present and I have to thank him for that.

“Ronnie was playing so well but it's all about hitting those doubles to finish.”

Van Barneveld's next opponent will be compatriot Jelle Klaasen, the 2006 BDO World champion, who beat world No7 Andy Hamilton 4-1.