Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock began his PDC World Championship campaign with a 3-1 first-round triumph over England’s Gemma Hayter.
The 24-year-old is the 11th seed at this year’s event but runs to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, World Series Finals and UK Open this year, as well as winning the World Cup alongside Daryl Gurney, mean he is considered among the favourites for the world title.
Poor finishing from Rock in the third set, in which he hit just one of his 11 attempts at doubles, led to Hayter pulling a set back after she had fallen 2-0 behind.
Her level rose as the match progressed and she took the fourth set to a deciding leg, before Rock successfully checked out 81 to seal victory.
Rock will take on Australian Joe Comito in round two.
