Josh Rock’s dream Ally Pally start continues as Irishman knocks off Aspinall

Josh Rock’s World Darts Championship debut is set to continue after he booked his place in the last 16 at the Alexandra Palace.

‘Rocky’ had to overcome his toughest tie of the tournament so far with a meeting with tenth seed Nathan Aspinall.

The Antrim native needed all seven sets to get past the English ace but he ultimately came out on top in a 4-3 victory.

© Provided by Extra.ie Josh Rock of Northern Ireland competes during his Third Round match against Nathan Aspinall of England during Day Eight of The Cazoo World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 27, 2022 in London, England. Pic: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Rock burst out of the blocks to start the third round tie, averaging over 100 across the opening five legs to take the first set.

In just his 11th televised match to date, the 21-year-old then slowed in the second set as Aspinall took control by winning the first two legs.

Rock took the third but lost out on the set as Aspinall just about managed to seal the winning leg even after missing several chances.

The Englishman kept up the momentum to grab the third set 3-1 with Rock’s average dropping off from 104 down to 90, before the youngster responding quickly by stepping up to tie the game 2-2 – just missing out on a nine-darter in the fourth set.

More to follow…