Confidence sky high for Rodriguez after Clayton win at World Matchplay: "I can beat anybody"

Rowby-John Rodriguez caused a first round upset to begin the World Matchplay dumping out Jonny Clayton in a superb victory sealing it 10-7.

Speaking post match, he said he knew he could win the tie and that his confidence is sky high right now.

"My expectation in my mind that I would win the first game anyway but I know it's going to be hard against Jonny. He's a top player but my confidence is so high at the moment so I think that I can beat anybody," said Rodriguez post match.

Qualifying enough was last gasp with Vincent van der Voort and his World Cup teammate and close friend, Mensur Suljovic potentially taking his spot and he ran through the emotions as a result.

"When I reached the final at the European Tour and obviously I missed one match dart, I was happy in one moment and disappointed in one moment because I should be a champion. That brings me to the point that I could qualify for World Matchplay as six years ago I was in the same position but I missed out."

"It was just Vincent and Mensur, after Vincent went out, I was more relieved. I told Mick my manager that you're going to Blackpool, it doesn't matter whom. But in the background you think you should have been here, you've achieved it. But if Mensur would have won that tournament, fair play to him."

Before reiterating the point of no fear in this tournament and how he wants to take on the elite and beat them.

"It depends on the day, I can beat everybody. It doesn't matter who it is and I don't mind playing them."