Josh Rock, affectionately known as ‘The Antrim Ace,’ has seized his second career Euro Tour title at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz, triumphing over the formidable Kevin Doets in a thrilling final. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Rock but also provides a brilliant counterpoint to his challenging Premier League debut, cementing his status as one of darts’ most exciting young talents.
The Road to Glory: How Rock Conquered Graz
The Austrian Darts Open culminated in a spectacular final day, showcasing the incredible skill of four top contenders. Among them were former World Champion Rob Cross, recent Players Championship winner Kevin Doets, and Northern Ireland’s World Cup-winning duo, Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.
Kevin Doets: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Kevin ‘Hawkeye’ Doets arrived in Graz fresh off his maiden floor title win in Hildesheim, and his performance throughout the tournament proved he was a serious contender. His path to the final included:
- Defeating Ryan Joyce earlier in the day.
- A stunning 112.31 average performance against Luke Woodhouse in the quarter-finals, a match where Doets truly dominated.
- Overcoming two-time European Champion Rob Cross to secure his spot in the final, making him the first player to qualify.
Josh Rock: A Dramatic Journey
Josh Rock’s route to the final was filled with dramatic moments that highlighted his resilience and skill. His key matches included:
- Battling back from an early 2-0 deficit to edge past Niko Springer in a thrilling deciding leg during the afternoon session.
- Holding off a resurgent Cristo Reyes in the quarter-finals after initially taking a two-leg lead.
- A comfortable victory against his compatriot, Daryl Gurney, in an all-Northern Irish semi-final, as ‘Superchin’ appeared to have run out of steam.
The Epic Final: Rock vs. Doets
With two of darts’ brightest young stars vying for the title, the atmosphere in the Stadthalle Graz was electric. Fans were treated to a memorable final packed with maximums and high-stakes drama.
Rock started sharper, taking an early lead and maintaining a slender 5-3 advantage at the halfway stage. However, Doets, with his characteristic determination, refused to yield. Minutes later, he clawed his way back, leveling the scores at 6-6 and effectively turning the contest into a best-of-three shootout with the throw advantage.
The Decisive Moment
The pivotal moment that ultimately decided the title came next. Josh Rock delivered a huge break of throw, seizing the crucial advantage. He then followed this with a clinical hold of his own throw, shattering Doets’ hopes and securing the championship.
This victory earned Rock a significant £35,000 payday, another gleaming trophy, and the coveted green jacket for his spring wardrobe collection.
A Statement Victory
More than just prize money and a trophy, this felt like another powerful statement from one of the sport’s most explosive young stars. Josh Rock has long been tipped as a future major champion, and his performance in Graz makes it increasingly difficult to argue otherwise. Kevin Doets, too, demonstrated that he is not far behind in that conversation, proving he is a top-tier talent on the rise. The future of darts looks incredibly bright with these two young players leading the charge.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
