Aspinall and Rock Dig Deep as First Round Concludes at World Darts Championship

Nathan Aspinall and Josh Rock both overcame early scares to reach the second round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as the opening round came to a close at Alexandra Palace on Friday.

Day Nine of action featured the final eight first-round matches across a packed double session, with several seeded players pushed hard before booking their places in round two.

Aspinall survives Ilagan test

Nathan Aspinall launched his World Championship campaign with a hard-fought victory over Lourence Ilagan, in a contest that tested the Englishman’s resolve.

The Stockport thrower dropped the opening set before responding strongly, showing the fighting qualities that have defined his rise at the sport’s biggest events. With the match finely poised, Aspinall delivered in the crucial moments, winning two set-deciding legs and sealing victory with a spectacular 170 checkout.

The former UK Open and World Matchplay champion admitted afterwards that nerves played a major role but was pleased to get his tournament up and running. Aspinall will now face Leonard Gates in round two for the second year in succession.

Rock progresses despite Hayter resistance

Josh Rock also secured his place in round two, although the Northern Irishman was forced to work hard for a 3-1 win against debutant Gemma Hayter.

Rock raced into a two-set advantage before Hayter fought back to take the third, pushing the World Cup winner into a tense fourth set. Rock eventually edged through in a deciding leg, admitting afterwards that he had underestimated his opponent.

The 2023 World Cup champion will now turn his attention to a round-two meeting with Australia’s Joe Comito.

Gurney edges Greaves in five-set thriller

Daryl Gurney joined Rock in the next round after surviving a dramatic five-set encounter against Beau Greaves. Despite Greaves winning more legs across the match, it was Gurney who produced the decisive moments when it mattered most.

Greaves produced one of the highlights of the championship so far, landing a stunning 128 checkout on the bull before following it up with the tournament’s first ten-dart leg. However, with the match locked at two sets apiece, Gurney responded with a vital 144 finish before holding throw to secure a memorable victory.

Gurney will now face Callan Rydz in round two.

O’Connor shines as Ireland enjoy success

William O’Connor delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament so far, demolishing Krzysztof Kciuk 3-0 while recording a tournament-high average of 102.36. The Irishman fired in seven maximums and opened the match with a massive 167 checkout, setting up a blockbuster second-round clash with Michael van Gerwen.

Ireland continued to impress as Keane Barry swept aside Australian debutant Tim Pusey in straight sets. Barry averaged 93 and converted 53% of his double attempts to progress comfortably.

Doets, Gates and Meikle advance

Kevin Doets reached round two at Alexandra Palace for the third consecutive year, recovering from the loss of the opening set to defeat Matthew Dennant 3-1. The Dutchman will now meet Kenyan trailblazer David Munyua.

Leonard Gates maintained his perfect first-round record at the venue with a composed 3-2 victory over Mickey Mansell, never trailing in sets and holding his nerve in the deciding stanza.

Ryan Meikle completed the day’s action with a commanding 3-0 win over Argentinian debutant Jesus Salate. The Suffolk ace won six consecutive legs across the opening two sets and will now face Jonny Clayton.

Round Two begins on Saturday

Round two of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship gets underway on Saturday with another bumper double session at Alexandra Palace.

The afternoon session sees Dirk van Duijvenbode take on James Hurrell, while Dave Chisnall faces German number two Ricardo Pietreczko. In the evening, former world champion Michael Smith opens his campaign against Niels Zonneveld, before Stephen Bunting meets Nitin Kumar in a highly anticipated clash.

Aspinall and Rock Dig Deep as First Round Concludes at World Darts Championship

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Friday December 19

Afternoon Session

Round One x4

Kevin Doets 3-1 Matthew Dennant (2-3; 3-1; 3-2; 3-2)

Ryan Meikle 3-0 Jesus Salate (3-0; 3-0; 3-1)

Leonard Gates 3-2 Mickey Mansell (3-2; 0-3; 3-1; 1-3; 3-0)

Josh Rock 3-1 Gemma Hayter (3-1; 3-0; 1-3; 3-2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round One x4

William O’Connor 3-0 Krzysztof Kciuk (3-2; 3-0; 3-0)

Daryl Gurney 3-2 Beau Greaves (3-2; 1-3; 3-2; 0-3; 3-1)

Nathan Aspinall 3-1 Lourence Ilagan (2-3; 3-1; 3-2; 3-2)

Keane Barry 3-0 Tim Pusey (3-2; 3-0; 3-1)

Saturday December 20

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Round Two x4

Ryan Searle v Brendan Dolan

Andreas Harrysson v Motomu Sakai

Dirk van Duijvenbode v James Hurrell

Dave Chisnall v Ricardo Pietreczko

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Two x4

Michael Smith v Niels Zonneveld

Chris Dobey v Andrew Gilding

Stephen Bunting v Nitin Kumar

Jonny Clayton Bye (Dom Taylor suspended)