Rodriguez through on PDC World Darts Championship debut with impressive win over Robb

In one of the top ties of the first round, Rusty-Jake Rodriguez prevailed over Ben Robb in a 3-1 victory to join his brother Rowby-John in the reckoning at the World Darts Championship.

A debut to remember after a terrific year for the Austrian, he produced a 97.5 average alongside six 180's and a high checkout of 112.

Rodriguez began in style with a 180 followed by a 41 checkout. Robb replied with a 49 checkout on double 16 to get his first leg on the board.  

The Austrian pinned double five to keep up the holds. He missed two for the set and Robb held on hitting double 16.  

Rodriguez sealed the opening set though on 112 to halt the Robb revival. A 100 checkout saw the Kiwi ace return with a hold of throw as he looked to get himself back in the tie.

A 162 set up left double 16 which Rodriguez left to level. He hit double 10 to break and was throwing for a 2-0 sets lead. Robb hit back on the same target and finished off the set on double eight.

Rodriguez swept through the third set with ease and was one set away from claiming the win. Robb missed multiple darts to hold throw and handed Rodriguez a break on double 10.  

But Robb hit straight back on double eight but Rodriguez again hit back with a 45 checkout to go one away. He hit back-to-back 180’s but couldn’t get the seventh dart.  

The set up was there though and despite messing around on match darts, he got over the line on double four.