DRAMA AT ALLY PALLY AS ASPINALL, ROCK AND GURNEY SURVIVE ROUND ONE TESTS

Nathan Aspinall, Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney all came through demanding opening-round encounters on Friday as the first round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship concluded at Alexandra Palace.

Aspinall was made to work hard on Day Nine, recovering from a slow start to defeat Lourence Ilagan 3-1. The Stockport star dropped the opening set before responding with trademark grit, winning two set-deciding legs – including a stunning 170 checkout – to seal victory.

“I was shaking the whole way through,” admitted Aspinall, who will face Leonard Gates in round two for the second straight year. “I put myself under massive pressure, but a win is all that matters. My game is in the best place it’s ever been.”

Josh Rock also progressed with a 3-1 win, but was pushed by debutant Gemma Hayter. The Northern Irishman led 2-0 before conceding a set, eventually closing out the match in a deciding leg. Rock was blunt in his assessment afterwards.

“The first game is always the hardest,” said Rock, who meets Joe Comito next. “I underestimated Gemma, and I won’t perform like that again. I’m not here to make up the numbers – I’m here to win the trophy.”

Daryl Gurney edged past Beau Greaves in one of the matches of the tournament, surviving a thrilling 3-2 contest despite Greaves winning more legs overall. The Women’s Series champion hit a 128 checkout and produced the event’s first ten-dart leg, but Gurney landed a decisive 144 in the final set to break and hold for victory.

“She’s one of the best players on the planet,” said Gurney, who will face Callan Rydz in round two. “That 144 was massive. Without it, the match could have gone.”

William O’Connor produced one of the standout performances of the championship so far, averaging a tournament-high 102.36 and hitting seven 180s in a dominant 3-0 win over Krzysztof Kciuk. The Irishman now faces Michael van Gerwen in round two.

Elsewhere, Keane Barry eased past Tim Pusey, Kevin Doets fought back to beat Matthew Dennant, Leonard Gates edged Mickey Mansell in five sets, and Ryan Meikle swept aside Jesus Salate. Round two begins on Saturday as the tournament gathers momentum at Ally Pally.