2026 World Matchplay of Darts Day 1 first round live results, scores, schedule & bracket: Rock beats Woodhouse in scrappy clash

2026 World Matchplay of Darts Day 1 first round live results, scores, schedule & bracket: Rock beats Woodhouse in scrappy clash originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It wasn’t a pretty match, as both players averaged under 91 and struggled with doubles at times, but Josh Rock was the one who got over the line in the end, winning 10-4 over Luke Woodhouse.

The 2026 World Matchplay of Darts kicks off on Saturday, with four exciting matches set to be played on Day 1 in Blackpool.

The top quarter of the bracket will be the stars of the show tonight, with Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, Nathan Aspinall and others among the players looking to advance to the second round.

2026 World Matchplay of Darts Day 1 schedule & results

Here is the schedule and results from Day 1.

MORE: 2026 World Matchplay of Darts: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained

First round (Day 1 evening session)

*Best of 19 legs

MatchDateTime (local)ScoreJosh Rock vs. Luke WoodhouseSat., Jul. 187:15 p.m.10-4Stephen Bunting vs. Niels ZonneveldSat., Jul. 188:15 p.m.Luke Littler vs. Niko SpringerSat., Jul. 189:15 p.m.Nathan Aspinall vs. Joe CullenSat., Jul. 1810:15 p.m.

MORE: 2026 World Matchplay of Darts first round predictions and previews: 6 seeds heading home early?

Bracket

Here’s what the bracket looks like for the second round.

Luke Littler/Niko Springer vs. Nathan Aspinall/Joe CullenJosh Rock vs. Stephen Bunting/Niels ZonneveldMichael van Gerwen/Andrew Gilding vs. Chris Dobey/Dirk van DuijvenbodeJonny Clayton/Damon Heta vs. Gary Anderson/Ryan JoyceLuke Humphries/Cameron Menzies vs. Ross Smith/Kevin DoetsGerwyn Price/Martin Schindler vs. Danny Noppert/Rob CrossGian van Veen/Krzysztof Ratajski vs. Wessel Nijman/Dave ChisnallJames Wade/Jermaine Wattimena vs. Ryan Searle/William O’Connor

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