Gary Anderson began his world title defence with a 3-0 victory over Mark Frost

Double world champion Gary Anderson got the defence of his crown off to a perfect start as he breezed through his opening-round match at the World Darts Championship with a straight-sets victory over Mark Frost.

The Flying Scotsman, who beat Adrian Lewis to win last year's title, took the 3-0 victory despite averaging just 96 at Alexandra Palace to see off Frost in just 36 minutes.

He was troubled early on as Frost had darts to win each of the first two legs, but the reigning champion took both out before winning the set on double one.

Anderson claimed the second 3-0 before coming from 2-1 down in the third to make it into round two, where he could face fellow Scot John Henderson.

Darts fans once again turned out in fancy dress as they enjoyed a night at the Palace, where the usual comical signs and wacky outfits were all on display.

While dressed in everything from lederhosen to Christmas suits and from dartboards to sombreros, the excitable crowd seemed to an enjoy their night out, even if Anderson was not overly impressed with the standard of entertainment he and Frost were able to produce.  

'Mark is a cracking player but he didn't really show up tonight, so it made it very hard,' Anderson said.

'He's a good player but he never really showed how he can play the game.

'It's very nerve-racking going up there for the first set (of the tournament), the atmosphere is fantastic and we're doing alright.

'Any player who says they are not nervous about the first round are telling fibs.

Anderson is trying to become just the third player to win three consecutive world titles, after Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow, but believes this year's event is wide open despite the form of world No 1 Michael van Gerwen. 

'We can only try, there are talented players coming through and he (van Gerwen) has a very hard draw but there is the likes of James Wade, Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall.

'I think anyone can win it this year.' 

OPENING NIGHT RESULTS 

Jamie Caven (29) 1-3 Kevin Painter

Jamie Lewis (30) 3-2 Mick McGowan

Gary Anderson (2) 3-0 Mark Frost

Michael Smith (11) 3-2 Ricky Evans