2026 World Matchplay of Darts Day 1: Rock Crashes Woodhouse

Evening Action Summary

Josh Rock moved past Luke Woodhouse 10‑4 on Saturday night, surviving a scrappy contest that saw both players hover below a 91 average and stumble on doubles at crucial moments. The victory marks Rock’s first win of the tournament and guarantees him a spot in the second‑round bracket. Despite the low‑scoring battle, Rock managed to close the match with a solid finish, while Woodhouse’s chances faded after a series of missed double attempts.

Full Day 1 Line‑up

• 7:15 p.m.: Josh Rock vs. Luke Woodhouse – Rock advances 10‑4.
• 8:15 p.m.: Stephen Bunting vs. Niels Zonneveld – match scheduled, result pending.
• 9:15 p.m.: Luke Littler vs. Niko Springer – scheduled for the later slot.
• 10:15 p.m.: Nathan Aspinall vs. Joe Cullen – final evening clash of the night.

Star Names in Action

The top quarter of the draw featured several elite names, including Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall and the rising talent of Josh Rock. Littler, the reigning world champion, is tipped to be a major threat in his first‑round matchup against Springer. Bunting, a former Premier League winner, looks to navigate a tough contest with Zonneveld.

Second‑Round Bracket Snapshot

The winners of the four Day 1 matches will feed into a busy second round. Rock will face either Bunting or Zonneveld, while Littler/Springer squares off against Aspinall/Cullen. The rest of the bracket pairs top seeds like Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price against seasoned partnerships. This round will quickly weed out early under‑performers and set up high‑stakes clashes.

What This Means for the Tournament

Rock’s win signals he is already in contention for the top spot in his group, while Woodhouse’s early exit could be a setback after a strong run leading up to Blackpool. The low scoring and frequent double misses suggest the tournament’s demands for finishing accuracy are already evident. Fans can expect tighter, more tactical play as the field thins after this opening night.