Nathan Aspinall became the latest seeded player to be knocked out of the PDC World Championship, while 20-year-old Charlie Manby continued a memorable debut by reaching the last 16.
Aspinall, a semi-finalist in 2019 and 2020, was edged out 4–3 in a dramatic deciding-set battle by Dutchman Kevin Doets. The 15th seed made a strong start, taking the opening and third sets, but each time he was pulled back. He briefly wrestled momentum again with a superb 170 checkout to secure the fifth set. From that point on, however, Doets seized control, winning six straight legs to complete his sixth consecutive victory over Aspinall and book a fourth-round clash with world number two Luke Humphries on Tuesday.
Manby, competing in the tournament for the first time, impressed again with a 4–2 win over Ricky Evans. The Huddersfield bricklayer struggled early on the doubles, converting just four of 30 attempts across the opening three sets as he trailed 2–1. His scoring power kept him in the contest, though, and as his finishing sharpened coupled with a dip in Evans’ form, Manby pulled clear to secure a place in round four and guarantee at least £60,000 in prize money.
Next up for Manby is his toughest assignment yet against 10th seed Gian van Veen of the Netherlands, who posted the tournament’s highest match average so far (108.28) in his second-round victory.
There was further success for a debutant as Somerset’s Justin Hood defeated Ryan Meikle 4–1. Hood surged into a 3–0 lead before Meikle responded by taking a set, but the newcomer closed the match out comfortably. The win also assures Hood of a minimum £60,000 payday, lifting him to a provisional world ranking of 63. Speaking afterwards, he joked that the earnings mean he won’t need to work in 2026, while reiterating his long-term ambition of opening a Chinese restaurant.
The third round concludes in the evening session with Josh Rock facing Callan Rydz. Attention then turns to the last 16, highlighted by defending champion Luke Littler taking on 2018 winner Rob Cross to close Monday’s action.
Be the first to comment