Josh Rock has claimed his second European Tour title, winning the Austrian Darts Open after a thrilling 8-6 victory over an in-form Kevin Doets. The final was a high-quality affair, with Rock securing the win in the decisive final two legs. For Doets, it capped an incredible week that saw him win his first PDC title and reach his maiden European Tour final.
A Week of Highs for Kevin Doets
It was a truly memorable week for Kevin Doets, who arrived at the Austrian Darts Open on a wave of momentum. His impressive run included:
- Winning his first-ever PDC ranking title on Monday.
- Celebrating his birthday on Tuesday.
- Reaching his first European Tour final, showcasing remarkable form throughout the tournament.
Doets, nicknamed ‘Hawkeye’, delivered an outstanding performance against Luke Woodhouse en route to the final, setting up a highly anticipated clash with the formidable Josh Rock.
The Final Showdown: Rock vs. Doets
The final promised excitement, and it certainly delivered. Both players demonstrated exceptional skill, pushing each other to the limit.
Initial Exchange and Doets’ Momentum
Josh Rock, known as ‘Rocky’, started strong, taking the first leg with an 85-finish. The next two legs saw a few missed opportunities from both sides, with each player capitalizing on their opponent’s errors. Doets then leveled the score at 2-2 with a superb 84-finish on the bullseye. He then seized the initiative with an impressive 11-dart leg, only for Rock to quickly respond with a 14-darter, making it 3-3.
Rock Takes Control with a Stunning Checkout
In the seventh leg, Rock delivered a significant blow. With Doets waiting on 68, the Premier League star produced a magnificent 170 checkout, swinging the momentum firmly in his favour. He followed this with another 14-dart leg, creating a crucial two-leg lead.
Doets Fights Back Against the Odds
Undeterred, Doets showed resilience, immediately responding with an 87-finish on the bull to narrow the gap. However, Rock maintained his pressure, moving one leg closer to victory with another 14-darter. The score stood at 6-4 to Rock when, unexpectedly, the world number eight made a rare error. Missing the big twenty from 78, he failed to get a dart at a double. Doets seized the opportunity, calmly finishing 90 to level the match at 6-6. The momentum seemed to have shifted decisively in favour of the Dutchman from Almere.
The Deciding Legs: Rock’s Resolute Finish
Despite Doets’ strong comeback, the final two legs ultimately went Rock’s way. In the thirteenth leg, Rock successfully hit 78 to regain the lead. A subsequent 14-dart leg sealed his victory, prompting a huge roar of celebration. This triumph marks Rock’s second European Tour title, adding the Austrian Darts Open to his earlier success at the Dutch Darts Championship in 2024.
Key Statistics from an Electrifying Final
The high-quality nature of the final is reflected in the impressive statistics:
- Kevin Doets:
- Average: 101.20
- Double Percentage: 46.2%
- Josh Rock:
- Average: 101.56
- Double Percentage: 38.1%
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
