Rock not at rampant best but seals debut win at PDC World Darts Championship over Justicia

Josh Rock will face Callan Rydz in the second round of the 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship after seeing off Jose Justicia in a 3-1 sets win to begin his maiden campaign at the Alexandra Palace.

After his exploits this year and a superb display at the Grand Slam off Darts, Rock received the full Sky Sports billing and at the start was embroiled in a real battle against the Spaniard before growing into the game and sealing a 93.36 average, three 180's and a highest checkout of 150.

Rock missed 114 for the opening leg and further darts allowing Justicia a chance at 87. But he couldn’t take it and Rock got the settler on double five.

Rock missed 83 on the bull and Justicia returned for a 130 on double five to hold. Rock hit his first maximum to avert some Justicia pressure and produced a 61 checkout to go one away from the set.

Rock missed 116 on double 18 but Justicia missed again and the Northern Irish ace looked menacing as he went off stage leading 1-0.

Justicia opened with a hold on double 16. Rock hit a 78 checkout on double 12 to make it 1-1. Justicia though went one away from a set back.

Justicia hit double 20 to seal a set back. Rock had a chance for a break but didn’t take it and Justicia made it 1-1 in set three.

Rock hit a 150 checkout as he looked to finally stamp his authority on the tie and he sealed the set with a 54 checkout.

A 98 checkout using double 19, double 20 gave Rock the break to begin set three. He went one away on double two. He missed 170 on the bull for the win but returned for double 12 for the victory.