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Josh Rock is currently the name on everybody’s lips and the Northern Irish sensation is relishing a mouth-watering second round showdown with three-time champion Michael van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts.
Rock has claimed his maiden Players Championship success, won five Development Tour titles, reached three European Tour quarter-finals and torn up the record books during his sensational debut season in professional darts.
The 21-year-old topped the average, checkout percentage and legs finished in 12 darts or less statistics heading into his anticipated Grand Slam debut in Wolverhampton, showcasing flashes of that form during the group stage.
Having somewhat flattered to deceive in defeat against Ryan Searle in his opener, Rock bounced back with impressive averages of 96.62 and 99.26 in victories over Scott Williams and Luke Humphries to secure qualification into the knockout stage.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” Rock revealed in his post-match press conference. “I apologised to Luke straight away because I don’t usually get emotion like that that often. The reaction said it all – I knew I had to win three legs.
“I probably put myself under pressure but when I won the first leg on my throw I felt comfortable. When Luke went 2-1 up, I was like ‘Josh, you need to get this now’. As soon as that 121 went in and that double 14 went in, I knew I had qualified for the last 16.”
Rock’s reward for reaching the knockout rounds is an intriguing encounter against former world number one Michael van Gerwen, who sets his sights on a quadruple of 2022 major accolades heading into next month’s World Darts Championship.
“I’m just as excited as he is – he won’t be too excited about playing me, I know he won’t,” a bullish Rock added. “It will be very interesting to see what happens between me and Michael because we’ve never played each other before and I can’t wait for it.
“There’s no fear because I’ve never played Michael before and he’s never played me. I will enjoy it regardless of the result because Michael has won every single major there is and in my eyes he’s the second best player ever without a doubt.
“I’m not afraid of playing him. Michael van Gerwen is Michael van Gerwen. He’s a three-time world champion and could go up there and average 120-odd like Michael does. But I’m looking forward to it.”
Rock has the capability of recording astronomical averages himself nonetheless, having recorded a 121.88 on the PDC ProTour earlier this season, and the champion-in-waiting has the consistency to rival the world’s most accomplished.
“I keep a head-to-head record with everybody because I never expected to be here at 21,” Rock said, having beaten the likes of Michael Smith and Jonny Clayton on the European Tour this season.
“Honestly, years down the line I expected to be here playing people like MVG and Gary Anderson but not as quickly. I’ve put the hard practice in, I’ve put the dedication into it and I’m here today.”
Experience may well prove the telling factor as Rock collides with Van Gerwen only a month after making his televised debut, although it’s a fascinating tussle certain to provide a glimpse into the future.
