Josh Rock, Michael Smith, and Stephen Bunting wasted no time securing their places in the second round at the 29th Players Championship this Wednesday afternoon. Among the standout performances, Josh Rock delivered an eye-catching average of over 113 in his 6-2 victory over Karel Sedlacek, setting the stage for what could be a tournament-defining run.
Smith, with a stellar average of over 106, also looked in top form as he dispatched Jamie Hughes 6-4. Meanwhile, Masters champion Stephen Bunting showed his class, seeing off Danny Lauby in another hard-fought 6-4 win.
Elsewhere in the competition, fans witnessed a dramatic match as Gary Anderson narrowly survived against Matthew Dennant. Anderson, also known as ‘The Flying Scotsman,’ came back from the brink, saving six match darts before pulling off a 6-5 victory.
Dutchman Gian van Veen proved too strong for Keegan Brown, keeping pace early before breaking away with two 15-darters and a 14-darter to finish the match 6-3. Raymond van Barneveld, a legend of the sport, recorded a commanding 6-3 victory over Lee Evans after racing to a 3-0 lead through consistent high-quality darts, including two 14-darters and a 15-darter.
With £125,000 in total prize money at stake, every victory counts. The winner of the tournament will take home a substantial prize of £15,000, and based on his opening performance, Josh Rock might be the name to watch.
