Josh Rock eases into last 32 at World Darts Championship, knocking Michael Smith out of the world's top 16!

Josh Rock has eased to a routine 3-0 victory over Rhys Griffin in the second round at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. In terms of world darts though, this win has big ramifications as the Northern Irishman moves into the top 16 of Order of Merit, knocking Michael Smith out in the process.

In a far from spectacular opening to the contest, Rock took the first couple of legs in 24 and 19 darts respectively. Despite Griffin beginning to find his feet in leg 3, pinning a pair of 180s, the leg eventually went to Rock also thanks to a 70 finish on the bull. So despite his average of just 77, Rock took the opening set 3-0.

Griffin finally got off the board in the opening leg of set 2, punishing a Rock miss with a 110 checkout. Rock though, bounced back well with a solid hold of throw in the next leg. As the standard continued to rise, legs 3 and 4 both went with the darts as well, sending the set to a deciding leg. Griffin had the throw and kicked off strongly with a 180. Going trebleless with his next nine darts though, the Welshman failed to fully capitalize. After Griffin bust an 84 checkout, Rock punished to double his set lead at 2-0.

Two sets to the good, Rock was full of confidence in set 3, taking a dominant hold of throw in the opening leg and then firing six perfect darts in leg 2. Despite some faffing on the doubles in that leg, Rock eventually pinned double 2 to move one leg from the win. A few moments later, victory was secured setting up a post-Christmas showdown against former Masters champion Chris Dobey.