Nathan Aspinall and Josh Rock both navigated tricky opening tests to book their places in round two of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as the opening round concluded on a dramatic Day Nine at Alexandra Palace.
Friday’s bumper double session featured the final eight first-round ties, with Aspinall beginning his campaign in uneasy fashion against Philippines qualifier Lourence Ilagan. The Stockport star was immediately put under pressure as Ilagan claimed the opening set, but Aspinall responded with characteristic resilience to restore parity.
The former UK Open and World Matchplay champion was forced to dig deep throughout a tense contest, eventually claiming two decisive set shoot-outs. The highlight came in the final set, where Aspinall produced a sensational 170 checkout to secure a hard-earned victory. “I really felt the pressure – I was shaking the whole way through,” admitted Aspinall, who will face Leonard Gates in round two for the second year running. “I put myself under so much pressure, but I got the win, and that’s what matters. Full credit to Lourence; he played a fantastic game and really tested me.”
Josh Rock also progressed with a 3–1 win, although the Northern Irishman was made to work by debutant Gemma Hayter. Rock raced into a 2–0 lead but briefly lost momentum as Hayter claimed the third set, before the World Cup winner regrouped to clinch the fourth in a deciding leg. “The first game is always the hardest,” said Rock, who will meet Australia’s Joe Comito next. “I underestimated Gemma, but I’m here to win the trophy, not make up the numbers.”
One of the matches of the tournament saw Rock’s World Cup team-mate Daryl Gurney edge past Beau Greaves in a gripping 3–2 contest, despite the Women’s Series champion winning more legs overall. Greaves impressed throughout, landing a superb 128 checkout on the bull and firing in the event’s first ten-darter to draw level at 1–1. With the match delicately poised at two sets apiece, Gurney delivered a crucial 144 finish to break throw before holding his nerve to seal victory. “She is one of the best players on the planet,” Gurney said, as he set up a round two clash with Callan Rydz.
Elsewhere, William O’Connor produced one of the standout performances of the championship so far, averaging a tournament-high 102.36 and firing in seven maximums during a dominant 3–0 win over Krzysztof Kciuk. The Irishman opened the match with a stunning 167 checkout and now faces a mouth-watering second-round tie against Michael van Gerwen.
Keane Barry ensured a double success for Ireland with a straight-sets victory over Australian debutant Tim Pusey, while Dutchman Kevin Doets fought back from a set down to defeat Matthew Dennant 3–1. Leonard Gates maintained his perfect Ally Pally record by edging out Mickey Mansell in five sets, and Ryan Meikle swept aside Jesus Salate in another emphatic 3–0 success.
Round two begins on Saturday with another packed double session, as the festive drama at Alexandra Palace continues to gather momentum.
Source: PDC.TV
