US Darts Masters: Josh Rock stunned by Jim Long on opening day in New York
Josh Rock was an early casualty after suffering a shock defeat in his opening match at the US Darts Masters.
Held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, Rock was tied 4-4 with his opponent Jim Long in a race to six, but missed doubles proved costly for the Broughshane man as he was beaten 6-4.
The tournament features eight PDC superstars going head-to-head with their North American counterparts.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win on this stage. I’m over the moon,” reflected Long, who was the only north American player to win a quarter-final on the PDC website.
“I’ve played Josh three times on the tour so we’re familiar with each other, and I was fortunate he missed a couple of doubles at the end there.
“I just want to play every game I can play and perform at my best with every chance I get.”
He will now face Luke Littler after the world champion won the final three legs to see off David Cameron 6-3 to book his place in the last eight.
Reigning champion Luke Humphries proved too strong for Leonard Gates, starting his title defence with a 6-1 thrashing.
Humphries faces Stephen Bunting, a 6-2 winner over Alex Spellman, in the last eight.
There were also wins for Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price and James Wade.
The tournament will conclude in the early hours of Saturday morning (British time), as the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are played in front of a sell-out crowd of 5000 people.