Josh Rock Rocks Graz: Claims Austrian Darts Open 2026 Title in Thrilling Fashion
Josh Rock has kicked off his 2026 season in spectacular style, securing his second European Tour title at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz. “Rocky” triumphed over the surprising finalist Kevin Doets with a hard-fought 8-6 victory in a captivating final. The Northern Irish talent showcased his formidable skill throughout the tournament, overcoming strong contenders like Cristo Reyes and Daryl Gurney on his path to glory. This win marks a significant milestone for Rock, establishing him as a dominant force early in the year.
The Road to the Final: Key Quarter-Final Clashes
The quarter-finals delivered intense darting action, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the tournament.
- Kevin Doets vs. Luke Woodhouse (6-3): Doets delivered a masterclass, particularly with a stunning 112-average. He dominated Woodhouse, sealing the match with a 141 checkout for a 12-dart finish, after an earlier 170 “Big Fish” checkout.
- Rob Cross vs. Andrew Gilding (6-1): “Voltage” Cross showed his class with a decisive 6-1 victory. After taking the first two legs, he conceded just one to Gilding before closing out the match swiftly with checkouts like 121 and 104.
- Josh Rock vs. Cristo Reyes (6-4): Rock faced a resilient Cristo Reyes, who had been in impressive form. “Rocky” started strong with two 15-darters. Despite Reyes fighting back with a 12-dart “Big Fish” and a 97 checkout, Rock maintained his lead, capitalizing on Reyes’ missed doubles to secure a 6-4 win in 11 darts.
- Daryl Gurney vs. Martin Schindler (6-2): Defending champion Martin Schindler struggled against “Superchin” Daryl Gurney. Gurney established an early lead, and despite a 116 checkout from Schindler, Gurney capitalized on “The Wall’s” missed opportunities, sealing a 6-2 victory to advance.
Semi-Final Showdowns
The semi-finals pitted four of the tournament’s strongest players against each other in thrilling contests.
- Kevin Doets vs. Rob Cross (7-3): Kevin Doets continued his impressive run, comfortably defeating former World Champion Rob Cross. Doets secured early breaks, leading 5-2. Although Cross managed to pull a leg back, Doets sealed his first-ever European Tour final appearance with a brilliant 124 checkout.
- Josh Rock vs. Daryl Gurney (7-3): Josh Rock delivered a powerful performance, maintaining a 100+ average against Daryl Gurney. “Rocky” started with a 116 checkout and quickly took a 4-1 lead. Despite Gurney’s efforts to close the gap, Rock reasserted his dominance, winning three consecutive legs with impressive checkouts of 121 and 145 to secure his spot in the final.
The Grand Finale: Josh Rock vs. Kevin Doets
The final promised a clash of youthful energy, and it delivered. Josh Rock ultimately prevailed 8-6 over Kevin Doets in a tightly contested match.
Rock immediately broke Doets in the first leg with an 85 checkout, but Doets broke back. The match remained tight, with Rock struggling with doubles at times, allowing Doets to stay in contention. However, Rock then unleashed a third 170 checkout of the evening – a “Big Fish” – to regain momentum. He then took a crucial two-leg lead at 5-3.
Doets fought back valiantly, leveling the score at 6-6 by winning three legs in a row. But with the pressure mounting, Doets missed a crucial dart at tops for a hold, opening the door for Rock. “Rocky” seized the opportunity, securing a break with a 78 checkout and then holding his throw on tops to clinch the 8-6 victory and the Austrian Darts Open 2026 title.
Tournament Overview and Results
Sunday, May 10, 2026 – Evening Session Results:
- Quarter-Finals:
- Kevin Doets (112.31) 6-3 Luke Woodhouse (92.15)
- Andrew Gilding (88.57) 1-6 Rob Cross (93.92)
- Cristo Reyes (93.55) 4-6 Josh Rock (96.97)
- Martin Schindler (95.45) 2-6 Daryl Gurney (95.69)
- Semi-Finals:
- Kevin Doets (96.20) 7-3 Rob Cross (96.90)
- Josh Rock (100.15) 7-3 Daryl Gurney (85.97)
- Final:
- Kevin Doets (101.20) 6-8 Josh Rock (101.56)
Prize Money Breakdown
The Austrian Darts Open 2026 featured a total prize fund of £230,000. To ensure prize money contributes to official ranking lists (PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit), players qualified via the PDC Order of Merit and Pro Tour Order of Merit must win their first-round match. If they lose, they still receive the prize money, but it does not count towards these rankings.
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finalists: £10,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £8,000
- Last 16 (Third Round): £5,000
- Last 32 (Second Round): £3,500
- Last 64 (First Round): £2,000
What’s Next for Darts?
Following a brief break, the darting action continues with two upcoming Players Championships in Leicester on Tuesday and Wednesday, promising more thrilling competition for the sport’s top players.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
