Heta crushes Rock to reach World Matchplay second round for the first time

Damon Heta has made his way into the second round at the World Matchplay for the first time after a 10-5 victory over Josh Rock.

In one of the most hotly anticipated first-round matches, Damon Heta took on World Matchplay debutant, Josh Rock. Heta immediately got the crowd on his back courtesy of an Ashes-inspired entrance with a cricket bat and Australia cap.

Rock started very brightly, kicking off with a maximum and breaking throw in the opener thanks to a 73 finish. Heta though, broke immediately back to level things up and after Rock missed darts for the 3rd leg, the Aussie nudged in front. After two more breaks of throw, the players would head off at the interval with Heta leading 3-2.

Coming back from the break, Rock levelled the game but then blew a chance to nudge in front after missing the big 16 in a set-up shot. Heta punished and moved 4-3 up. Then despite the boos of the crowd, Heta made it 5-3, hitting double 8 last dart in hand. A few moments later, the Australian pinned tops and it was 6-3 in his favour. In the last leg of the session it was more of the same, Heta taking it courtesy of an 82 finish on tops.

After the break, Heta extended his lead to five legs with Rock becoming visibly more frustrated. Rock though wasn't done just yet, firing in a 125 checkout to stop the rot. Responding with a ton-plus checkout of his own, Heta moved a leg from the victory. A third straight ton-plus checkout, this time from Rock again kept the Northern Irishman alive. It was just prolonging the inevitable however, as Heta secured the win.