World Darts Championship: Josh Rock ‘verifiable candidate’ after victory over Nathan Aspinall, John Part | Darts News

Josh Rock beat Nathan Aspinall 4-3 in a thrilling match to reach the round of 16 of the World Darts Championship; The 21-year-old will play Jonny Clayton – watch every darts from Alexandra Palace live on Sky Sports until the final on January 3

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Josh Rock says ‘much more to come’ after he knocks out Nathan Aspinall at Alexandra Palace

John Part said Josh Rock is a “verifiable candidate” at the PDC World Darts Championship after reaching the round of 16 with a thrilling win over Nathan Aspinall.

The rising rock star, 21, is making her first appearance at the tournament and is one of the favorites to win the title after booming over the past 12 months.

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Rock started the match against Aspinall quickly, starting the first set with 141 checkout

Rock, the 2022 PDC world youth champion, has been a discovery since receiving his Tour Card in early 2022, winning five Development Tour titles as well as his first senior PDC title. him at the 28th Player Championship in Barnsley.

The Northern Irishman’s 4-3 victory over 10th seed Aspinall means he will face world number 7 Jonny Clayton in the fourth round at Alexandra Palace.

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Rock beat 99 with a super double-double

Part: Rock doesn’t seem to give up

Two-time World Champion Story Sky sports darts: “Rock got the job done and he’s shaping himself into a verifiable contender. He’s just taken down a top, top player.

“What’s going to stop him? It’s a glove race he’s running and it’s not going to get any easier but he doesn’t seem to be discouraged by it.

“It’s not about being average with Josh anymore. It’s about being able to withstand pressure and hit big shots against a player of Aspinall’s caliber who is getting his revenge on him.

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Mark Webster expected Aspinall to take down 16 but he was under pressure before Rock took the win

“The hype was about his average being in the hundreds at the end of games. That didn’t materialize but what did come true was his ability to win matches.

“He suffered an attack from Nathan. Nathan played pretty well in his A game and Josh got through it. Yes, Nathan missed the doubles but you miss the doubles when you do. pressured back.

“Josh created his opportunities and when he got them he took them for the most part. I think he’s very happy with the experience. It’s all new, exciting and meaningful. huge for him.”

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Dan Dawson analyzes Rock’s strong rise in 2022 and whether he’s a strong contender for the World Darts Championship title

Rock: More to come

Rock said afterwards: “I was under a lot of pressure, but I handled it well and I’m happy. I just tried my best to win, it was a very tight match. Luckily. , I handled the pressure and made it through .

“I am a young champion. I am not a world champion yet, but I will do my best to become world champion.

“There’s so much more to come.”

Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship – live on Sky Sports Darts – until the final on January 3.