Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock kicked off his PDC World Championship campaign with a 3–1 first-round victory over England’s Gemma Hayter.
The 24-year-old, seeded 11th, is regarded as one of the leading contenders for the title after reaching the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, World Series Finals and UK Open this year, as well as lifting the World Cup alongside Daryl Gurney.
Rock looked in control early, taking a 2–0 lead, but struggled on the doubles in the third set, landing just one of 11 attempts. That allowed Hayter to claim a set and stay in the contest. As her confidence grew, she pushed the fourth set to a deciding leg before Rock held his nerve, checking out 81 to secure the win.
He will face Australia’s Joe Comito in the second round.
Elsewhere, Dutch player Kevin Doets booked a meeting with Kenya’s David Munyua after a 3–1 win over England’s Matthew Dennant. Doets averaged over 92, although Dennant stayed competitive, winning two legs in both the third and fourth sets before Doets closed out the match.
American Leonard Gates edged Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell 3–2 in an erratic encounter, with neither player able to win back-to-back sets. One leg in the fourth set was taken by Mansell in 33 darts.
England’s Ryan Meikle progressed comfortably, beating Argentina’s Jesus Salate 3–0.
The first round concludes on Friday evening with four more matches, including a standout clash between Women’s Series leader Beau Greaves and 22nd seed Daryl Gurney.
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