Darts sensation Josh Rock is hoping the home crowd in Belfast will provide the spark he needs to kickstart his BetMGM Premier League journey. Despite a strong season overall, Rock has yet to score any points in the Premier League, facing a tough challenge against fellow newcomer Gian van Veen. Meanwhile, the top of the table sees Jonny Clayton defending his lead against Luke Littler, with other big names like Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price also battling for crucial points as the competition heats up.
Rock’s Quest for Points on Home Soil
Northern Ireland’s own Josh Rock is set to make a highly anticipated appearance at the SSE Arena in Belfast for Night Four of the BetMGM Premier League. This will be a pivotal moment for the 24-year-old, who has faced a challenging start to his Premier League campaign.
So far, Rock has suffered three consecutive quarter-final exits, falling to top players like Jonny Clayton, Michael van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries. This means he’s yet to put any points on the board, making his home turf appearance even more critical.
“I’m massively excited,” Rock stated, expressing his eagerness for the Belfast event. “This is the one out of all the Premier League nights that I’m really looking forward to.” He highlighted the significance of having a Northern Irish player back in the Premier League since Daryl Gurney in 2020, emphasizing the local pride and support he expects.
Despite the high stakes, Rock believes the home advantage will be a positive influence. “I don’t think there’s any added pressure. Hopefully I will enjoy it a little bit more because my friends and family will be there supporting me.”
Facing a Formidable Foe: Gian van Veen
Rock’s opponent for the quarter-final in Belfast is Dutch newcomer Gian van Veen, who has made a surprisingly strong start to the season. Van Veen has already reached nightly finals in Newcastle and Glasgow, showcasing his talent and consistency.
However, Rock holds a strong record against van Veen, having won their last four encounters. This historical advantage, combined with the fervent home crowd, could be a significant factor. Rock acknowledged the challenge for his opponent: “It will probably be tough for Gian because I think the Belfast crowd will be against him, but I think he’ll still cope with it okay, so the best player on the night is going to win.”
The Battle at the Top: Clayton Leads the Pack
Night Four also features a series of high-stakes matches involving the league’s top contenders. Jonny Clayton, the current league leader, will kick off the night against world number one Luke Littler in a repeat of their Glasgow semi-final.
- Jonny Clayton: The 2021 Premier League champion is brimming with confidence after a strong start, including a dominant 6-2 victory over Gian van Veen in Glasgow, sealed with a spectacular 156 checkout. He’s aiming for back-to-back wins against Littler.
- Luke Littler: Currently in sixth position, Littler will be looking to bounce back from his 6-1 defeat to Clayton in Glasgow. Despite that setback, he recently lifted his fifth European Tour title, proving his formidable form.
Clayton emphasized his enjoyment of the big stage: “This is where I want to be, playing darts on the biggest stages. The crowds are fantastic… I’m enjoying myself, and when you enjoy what you’re doing, things seem to happen for you.”
Other Key Match-Ups in Belfast
The night promises more thrilling darts action with other significant quarter-final clashes:
- Stephen Bunting vs. Luke Humphries: Reigning champion Humphries, level on points with Littler, will face Stephen Bunting, who is still searching for his first points of the season despite consistent high averages. Humphries will be keen to avoid squandering match darts again, as he did in Glasgow against Van Veen.
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Gerwyn Price: This highly anticipated match is a repeat of the Night Two final in Antwerp. Seven-time champion Van Gerwen, who had to withdraw from Night Three due to a medical issue, is only a point behind the leader and will be eager to regain momentum. Price has had a mixed start, with his Antwerp victory being his main highlight so far.
Understanding the Premier League Format
The BetMGM Premier League operates on a unique nightly knockout format. Each of the 16 nights features eight players competing in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. Points are awarded based on performance:
- Winner: 5 points
- Runner-up: 3 points
- Semi-finalists: 2 points
These points accumulate over the season, forming a league table. The top four players at the end of the regular season will then progress to the prestigious Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28, to battle for the overall title. Every point earned in Belfast is therefore crucial for players hoping to secure a spot in the grand finale.
Night Four Schedule – SSE Arena, Belfast
Here’s the full line-up for Thursday, February 26:
Quarter-Finals:
- Luke Littler v Jonny Clayton
- Stephen Bunting v Luke Humphries
- Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price
- Gian van Veen v Josh Rock
Potential Semi-Finals:
- Littler/Clayton v Bunting/Humphries
- Van Gerwen/Price v Van Veen/Rock
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
