Berry van Peer stuns Josh Rock, dumps out former World Youth Champion at World Darts Championship

PDC
Saturday, 23 December 2023 at 22:00
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Berry van Peer has added a new chapter to his dream debut at the World Darts Championship. After Luke Woodhouse (3-2), Josh Rock (3-1) was also knocked out of the tournament on Saturday night by 'Bionic'.
Like against Woodhouse, Van Peer was razor sharp on the doubles. Against Woodhouse, he had a 48 percent finishing percentage, Van Peer did even better with 59 percent.
A key moment in the match was the second leg of the first set. In it, Rock missed five chances to take a 2-0 lead. Van Peer took advantage and he eventually won the first set 3-1.
With a 46 checkout, 14-darter and a 121 finish, Van Peer then drew the second set 3-2, needing only one more set to reach the third round at Alexandra Palace.
A spot in the last 32 then came very quickly closer after Van Peer took a 2-0 lead in the third set with a 13-darter and a 96 finish. Rock came back to 2-2, after which Van Peer had a second chance to finish it off in his own leg. This time 'Bionic' got match darts for the first time, but his two match darts went awry. Rock then showed his class by forcing a fourth set with an 82 finish.
Van Peer hit back, however, by throwing out 82 himself in the first leg of the fourth set to break Rock. The 27-year-old Dutchman then took a 2-0 lead again by hitting double 10. Rocky got one more leg back from that deficit before Van Peer finished it off with a 17-darter;
After Christmas, Van Peer will play in the last 32 against former World Cup winner Damon Heta. With Scott Williams and Martin Schindler also in his portion of the draw, there may even be a quarterfinal spot ready for Van Peer.