Josh Rock was left speechless on Sunday night after winning his his first European Tour title in the form the Dutch Darts Championship, his first European Tour title.
The Antrim native defeated Jonny Clayton in the final in Rosmalen, as he reminded the Luke Littler-obsessed darts world that another of its young stars hasn't gone away.
18 months after winning the World Youth Championship, Rock beat Clayton 8-4 to lift the trophy before giving an emotional interview on stage.
"I'm very speechless... I'm speechless... I'm very speechless," said the 23-year-old as he struggled to get his words out. "I'm happy. My name's on the trophy. No disrespect to Jonny because he's one of the nicest men in darts and I love him to bits."
"I can't speak," added Rock, as he moved aside to allow Clayton to offer his views on the match.
Léigh an scéal seo trí ghaeilge ae Liathróidí.ie anseo
🗣️ "I'm speechless. I kept believing that I would win, and today I proved that."
An emotional Josh Rock reacts to his maiden European Tour success, as a gracious Jonny Clayton also reflects on a successful weekend in Rosmalen!#ET7 pic.twitter.com/KtXcpTWaDB
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 26, 2024
Josh Rock rises again after below-par 2023
Rock's victory over the Welshman was a form of revenge, after Clayton knocked him out of the 2023 World Darts Championship at the last-16 stage, just weeks after that World Youth Championship success.
It was at that edition of the biggest tournament in darts that Rock truly announced himself to the public, beating Callan Rydz and Nathan Aspinall en route to that defeat against Clayton.
Things haven't gone as swimmingly for Rock since, as he fell at the first hurdle during the latest World Darts Championship, as Littler took over the status of the most talked-about young player in darts.
It was during that tournament that former world champion Gary Anderson cited Rock's struggles while urging the media to refrain from piling pressure on the shoulders of Littler.
ROCK BREAKS NEW GROUND! 👏
What a moment for Josh Rock, who celebrates his maiden European Tour title in Rosmalen! 🏆
The Northern Irishman runs out an 8-4 winner against Jonny Clayton to win the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship! pic.twitter.com/sexyCJycGg
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 26, 2024
Gary Anderson cites Josh Rock when defending Luke Littler
"With another youngster called Josh Rock...all yous press and everything else have absolutely destroyed," said the Scotsman.
"If it ever goes tits up with Luke, give yourselves a pat on the back, because that's the way it's going. Let the boy play darts.
"I've been downstairs today, there's cameras, Zoom calls...let the boy play darts. He's had a great tournament, he's done well. What happens if it all goes Pete Tong now?
"You boys have ruined that haven't yous? Let the boy play darts. He's 16, playing well - just like Josh Rock...fantastic player - but you've knocked him back about two or three years."
If his success at the weekend is anything to go by, then Rock's time away from the limelight has been well-spent and there should be plenty more to come from the young star.
See Also: Irish Darts Legend Brendan Dolan Warns Youngsters In Brilliant Interview After Surprise Title Win
