Chisnall sees off Rodriguez to reach round two

Dave Chisnall on his way to victory over Rowby John-Rodriguez. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The Morecambe ace won every set in five legs against promising Austrian youngster Rowby-John Rodriguez, who treated the Ally Pally crowd to the first 170 finish of this year’s tournament.

The game also saw Chisnall produce the best leg of the tournament - a 10-darter - as he moved into the last 32 with an average of 99.37.

“I didn’t feel like a 99 average so I’m pleased with that,” said Chisnall, who will take on Christian Kist on Boxing Day.

“I missed a few doubles but so did he, and the most important thing is getting through to round two.

“I’ve got a lot more in the tank and hopefully I’ll show that after Christmas.”

Rodriguez broke Chisnall’s throw in the opening leg with a 107 finish but Chisnall replied in kind by taking out 78.

The resort thrower then went ahead by landing double five before his opponent’s first 180 helped him level. Chisnall took the opening set though, taking out 60 on tops.

Dave Chisnall in action on Tuesday night. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Rodriguez pegged double five before Chisnall produced a fantastic ten-dart leg to open up the second set.

The Austrian youngster took out 90 to regain the lead but, after Chisnall had levelled with a 100 finish, Rodriguez missed four set darts and was punished when his opponent bedded double 10 as the Morecambe man moved closer to victory.

Chisnall took the first leg on double five in set three before Rodriguez produced a brilliant 170 checkout and hit his third 180 as he broke his opponent’s throw.

Chisnall however hit his fourth 180 and landed double 18 to level before taking out 96 to move into round two.