Darts: Young NI star Josh Rock picks up first European tour title

Northern Ireland's Josh Rock has landed his first European tour title.

The young Co Antrim thrower beat Jonny Clayton, who saw off favourite Michael van Gerwen in the semi, 8-4 in the final of the Dutch Darts Championship.

Rock (23) earlier came from 5-3 down to beat Cameron Menzies 6-5 in the last 16 and then defeated Gerwyn Price 7-3 in the quarter-finals, before a 7-3 win over Martin Schindler in his semi.

Speaking to PDC media afterwards, Rock said it was "the biggest win of my career, 100 per cent."

"I haven't had very good luck against Jonny in finals," he added. "He beat me on the ProTour and in Graz in 2023, but I felt really confident coming into this final.

"I said this weekend I was here to win the tournament. Jonny is one of the nicest men in darts. I love him to bits, but my name is on the trophy and I'm so happy.

"I have lost in so many finals, but I keep believing that I will win and obviously today I proved that I can.

"I have always said my next one was going to be a major title and that's my main focus, but I have proved that I can win on the big stage now."

It was a second PDC ranking title for Rock, who will next month make his debut at the World Cup of Darts and became the sixth different winner in seven European Tour events this calendar year.