England's Beaton shot out of the blocks to win the first two sets, but compatriot Sherrock, who became the first woman to win a match at the World Championship two years ago, winning two matches in the tournament before losing in the third round, remained resolute to win the next two sets to take it to a decider.

Beaton, though, held his nerve and secured his place in the second round in London.

In the late game, Wales' Jonny Clayton, the number eight seed and one of the form players in the world this season, beat Ireland's Keane Barry to move into the third round.

He reeled off six consecutive legs to come from 2-1 down to win 3-2. 

The other second-round match of the day came in the afternoon session as England's Ross Smith upset compatriot and number 16 seed Steven Bunting 3-2 to book his place in the third round.

In round 1, Florian Hempel beat Martin Schindler 3-0 in an all-German affair, and The Netherlands' Martijn Kleermaker beat Greece's John Michael 3-1.

England's Jason Heaver earned a 3-1 win over Australia's Gordon Mathers.

Dutch thrower Maik Kuivenhoven defeated Mathers' team-mate, Ky Smith, 3-1.

Scotland's Alan Soutar squeezed past Brazil's Diogo Portela 3-2.

Competition continues tomorrow, with The Netherlands' five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, who recently returned from retirement, back in action at the Alexandra Palace.