RONNIE Baxter is the new favourite for the Embassy World Darts Championship after coming from behind to beat Martin Adams in the second round at the Lakeside last night.

Fourth seed Baxter lost the opening set for the second game in succession, but as against Mitchell Crooks on Sunday, bounced back to win the next three.

It sets up a quarter final against dangerman Wayne Mardle tomorrow and puts Baxter within two games of a third final in a row.

It seems the only thing standing between double runner-up Baxter and a first Embassy Crown is a sustained attack of the twinges.

Baxter has gone to Frimley Green suffering with repetitive strain injury and for the first time this week it was evident against Adams with a string of pulled darts and badly missed doubles fortunately for the 39-year-old from Church, he was also able to throw three maximum 180s, an 11-dart leg and a 30.08 single dart average.

"Luckily Martin couldn't punish my slips," said a relieved Baxter. "And just as luckily, I was able to produce the big finishes when it really mattered.

"Now I need to relax for a day, not over practice and get myself ready for Wayne because I am going to have to play a hell of a lot better to beat him."

Mardle, the world Number Nine, is one of the few players who can shoot faster than the Rocket and he booked his date with Baxter by white-washing fifth seed Co Stompe in a little over 20 minutes.