Phenomenal 177 set-up from Chris Dobey and he backs it up by nailing the double 16.

A break of throw to start the second set. That might just get Dobey going.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

There is room for improvement on the scoring. It hasn't been horrible and you wouldn't describe it as off, but they haven't reached their levels.

Both players averaged in the mid-80s and will want to up that.

But it was the doubles that really cost Chris Dobey. The Englishman was just one of eight on the outer ring.

Chances aplenty for Chris Dobey but he fails to take them and Chris Rock hits double eight to win the first set.

He celebrates by dancing in front of the crowd while Dobey no doubt reflects on the numerous missed doubles he squandered when the chance to force a fifth leg was there for the taking.

It got all the way down to double one but still he couldn't hit.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Chris Dobey doesn't really have his flow going yet.

Three breaks of throw in a row to start the match and Josh Rock has the upper hand again.

Chris Dobey got himself into a good position but from 150 let Rock back in without giving himself a shot a double.

Rock hits double eight and is a hold away from taking the first set.

Saturday night at Ally Pally and the crowd are right up for it.

Both players are giving them plenty to shout about in a high quality start.

Well, that is until it comes to the doubles.

Josh Rock misses five darts for the hold, allowing Chris Dobey to pinch it when he hits double 16 at the second time of asking.

Brilliant start from Josh Rock!

The Northern Irishman begins with a 180 and goes on to secure a 14-dart break of throw.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Whoever doesn't win this match will feel like they have missed a big opportunity.

Image source, Getty Images

Walk-ons done, the crowd and in good voice and we're just about ready for the first match of the evening.

Josh Rock is trying to get the crowd whipped up that bit more.

Chris Dobey will throw first...

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

This match could go either way. It should be extremely close.

Chris Dobey with his experience probably has the edge, but Josh Rock could bully him at times. It is hard to call.

Josh Rock talking to Sky Sports: "I put myself under far too much pressure to get back here after Christmas but there will be no pressure tonight.

"I am confident but playing with confidence on the stage is two different scenarios. I'm confident in my ability."

Chris Dobey talking to Sky Sports: "It was nice to get a win on a big TV stage. I think I've only won one game on a TV stage this year. I didn't play well but it was great to get the win.

"He's [Josh Rock] a great player and we've had some good games in the past and hopefully tonight will be another one. He's been playing a lot better this year as well. I am looking forward to it but I know it will be a tough task."

We've got two matches before Luke Littler takes to the stage and they both have the potential to be real crackers.

First up, it's Chris Dobey up against Josh Rock. Just £250 separates them in the provisional rankings - they're 15th and 16th in the world respectively - so expect this one to be tight...

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

There is still a long ride ahead for Luke Littler in this tournament. The pressure will increase each time.

One year ago, he was barely a household name in his own home. Now he is a sporting phenomenon.

After emerging from obscurity aged 16 to reach the World Championship final, the life of Luke Littler and the sport he loves has been transformed. Viewing figures, ticket sales and social media interest have rocketed. Darts has hit the bullseye.

This Christmas more than 100,000 children are expected to be opening Littler-branded magnetic dartboards as presents.

His impact has helped double the number of junior academies, prompted plans to expand the World Championship and generated interest in darts from Saudi Arabian backers.

Read more here.

Third round - Best of seven sets

Fourth round - Best of seven sets

Quarter-finals - Best of nine sets

Semi-finals - Best of 11 sets

Final - Best of 13 sets

Tie-breaks

First-round matches will not have a tie-break; if the fifth set reaches 2-2 in legs, then the fifth leg will be sudden death.

From the second round onwards, there will be a tie-break in all matches where a deciding set must be won by two clear legs. If the score in the final set reaches 5-5 then a sudden-death leg will be played. There would be no throw for the bull in any sudden-death legs.

• World Championship schedule, results, draw, forrmat

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

I am excited by tonight's line-up.

We expect the first game to be the closest but there are opportunities throughout.

Not long until the first game of the night now. Here's what we've got to look forward to...

Evening Session

Third round

• Chris Dobey (15) v Josh Rock (18)
• Michael van Gerwen (3) v Brendan Dolan (30)
• Luke Littler (4) v Ian White

A reminder that you can get in touch with us throughout the evening with your thoughts on the action, who you're backing to lift the trophy next week and what shocks you think we might see along the way.

Use #bbcdarts on social media, you can find us on WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply).