One half of the reigning World Cup champions, Josh Rock, drew the afternoon session to its conclusion – though not without a proper examination of his credentials. The Northern Irishman was pushed, prodded and periodically rattled by the impressive debutant Gemma Hayter, in a contest that flirted far closer to drama than many expected.
When Big Ben finally tolls midnight, the opening round of the 2026 PDC World Championship will be sealed, signed and filed away. Half of those who dared to dream will already be packing their bags. The remainder will cling to the hope of a post-Christmas return. Rock, albeit with a deep exhale of relief, will be among them.
This was not the crashing-boulder incarnation of Josh Rock, the one that demolishes everything in its path. And that was no accident. Hayter ensured the road was narrow and littered with obstacles. Had the two-time PDC Women’s Series title winner ignited a little earlier, the entire narrative might have been rewritten. Rock surged into a two-set lead, dropping just a solitary leg, and for a moment it felt ominously one-sided. But darts has a habit of recycling scripts.
Hayter refused to fold. She dug her heels in and claimed the third set superbly, even flirting with perfection before dart number six strayed agonisingly outside the treble twenty. The momentum did not evaporate there. In the fourth, the Hampshire woman stood firm, dragging Rock into a deciding leg and forcing him to confront the very real possibility of an early exit. In the end, it was close – tantalisingly so – but there would be no cigar. Rock edged over the line, relief etched across his face, knowing full well he had been in a contest rather than a procession. Joe Comito awaits next, and the Australian will not be underestimated.
Earlier in the session, Kevin Doets took to the stage hoping to conjure memories of twelve months prior. Last December, Hawkeye had sent former World Champion Michael Smith tumbling out at the first hurdle. This time, it was Matty Dennant who found himself on the wrong end of Doets’ quiet efficiency. Three of the four sets went the full distance, such was the balance of the affair. Dennant struck first, breaking Doets in the fifth leg to take the opener. The response was immediate and emphatic. The Dutch-born, Sweden-based thrower levelled proceedings while posting a thunderous 106.93 average – a statement if ever there was one.
From there, the match devolved into a proper slugfest. Neither man scaled their peak, but when the moment demanded composure – leg five, set on the line – it was Doets who delivered. Twice. Victory secured. Reward earned. Next stop, the Kenyan sensation David Munyua in round two.
Ryan Meikle, by contrast, enjoyed something approaching a gentle jog rather than a marathon. The Barber was never truly threatened by Jesus Salate, who struggled desperately to manufacture meaningful opportunities. Across the opening two sets, the Argentinian managed just a couple of darts at double. Neither found sanctuary. Even when chances did arrive in the third – six in total – only one located its intended home. Meikle was simply operating on a higher frequency, cleaner, sharper and entirely in control. He moves on to face the last New Zealander standing, Jonny Tata.
Then came Leonard Gates. Larger than life and unapologetically theatrical, the Texan swaggered to the oche, unleashing a series of dance moves that brought the crowd to its feet. Ski goggles, rhythm, personality – Gates delivered it all. His opponent, Mickey Mansell, opted for a far more restrained arrival. The contrast was stark.
Unfortunately, the match itself failed to mirror the spectacle of the entrance. Both men laboured badly, struggling to find fluency, with long, grinding legs sucking the life out of the contest. One in particular stretched to a painful 33 darts. Eventually, somehow, they reached parity at 2-2. One set to decide it.
And when the moment demanded clarity, it was Gates who finally cut loose. He dominated the decider, closed out the match, reclaimed his goggles and danced once more. Mansell, by contrast, disappeared into the night. The American marches on and will next face the winner of Nathan Aspinall versus Lourence Ilagan, who settle their business later this evening.
The stage remains unforgiving. The script continues to twist. And the World Championship, as ever, shows no mercy.
FRIDAY 19th DECEMBER – Afternoon Session Report
Kevin Doets 3-1 Matthew Dennant
Ryan Meike 3-0 Jesus Salate
Mickey Mansell 2-3 Leonard Gates
Josh Rock 3-1 Gemma Hayter
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
