Austrian Darts Open Sunday Evening Round-up | Josh Rock claims second Euro Tour title after defeating in-form Kevin Doets in Graz

Josh Rock is back on the top step of the European Tour podium in Graz. After losing the 2023 final, he was finally able to wear the infamous green jacket after defeating Kevin Doets 8-6 in an enthralling final full of quality at the Austrian Darts Open.

It was a disappointing end to what was a ground breaking week for Doets. Winning his first PDC ranking title earlier in the week, he reached a first Euro Tour final with some cracking performances. However, in the end he was not able to stop the rampant Rock.

In a topsy turvey final packed with incredible scoring and finishing, Rock took out the 170 as he moved ahead. He kept a slender lead for much of the final before Doets levelled up at 6-6. The Premier League talent managed to see it out with a two-leg burst right at the end.

Rock is coming off a disappointing debut Premier League campaign, but away from that he has shown signs of quality. He grafted his way through a number of matches this weekend, but an impressive 6-4 win over the scintillating Cristo Reyes was a statement of intent. The Spaniard had pinned a nine-darter in the second round and took out a picture-perfect 170 checkout. However, Rock proved too good in the end and blasted himself into the semi-finals.

It would be a fascinating clash against his World Cup of Darts partner Daryl Gurney. The pair teamed up brilliantly enroute to the title in Frankfurt last year, but this time only one could prevail. ‘Rocky’ showed his class as he went 4-1 ahead with a double break lead. Gurney was averaging 16 points lower but kept in the hunt, getting within one leg. However, Rock continued to plough away. A 121 outshot on the bull put him one away ahead of a show-stopping 145 checkout on tops to win 7-3. It was the end of the show for Gurney who bowed out to a brilliant performance by his fellow Northern Irishman.

At the start of the week, Doets was still searching for a first PDC title. Going to Graz, he tasted his first success on the ProTour with a title triumph at Players Championship 13 in Milton Keynes. He defeated Luke Woodhouse in that final and would be playing him in the first semi-final. ‘Hawkeye’ obliterated him. Averaging over 112, he won 6-3 with a brilliant 170 checkout enroute to the semi-final stage.

It was a second Euro Tour final in the last three events. This time two years ago, Rob Cross was enroute to his most recent Euro Tour title and semi-final. The former world champion needed to play his best darts, but too many missed doubles at key times cost him dearly. Doets reinstated a two-leg lead as he went 4-2 to the good. Cross ended a three-leg drought on double one but was unable to keep up with the inform Doets. He won the last three legs, taking out 124 on double 11 to put him on the cusp of glory with a 7-3 victory.

The winner would top the European Championship Order of Merit. A fleeting thought in the mind of the two players who were focused on just one task: being the first to eight legs. Rock got off to a flyer, taking out 85 on tops to break. He had chances to double his lead, missing around the board. Doets had a checkout rate of over 50% in the tournament ahead of this final, and it continued on double 16.

This trend ended the next leg. Doets missed a handful of darts on the outer ring in a leg he was in full control of. Rock reeled him in on double four for a third successive break of throw. Again, he could not back it up with a hold as ‘Hawkeye’ got back up to speed by pinning the bull for an 84 checkout. This was backed up with an 11-darter by Doets for a first hold.

Rock was quick to get back on level terms before finding himself ahead. He did this in the most appetising fashion – the big fish! Doets had taken one out earlier in the day, and it was the 25-year-old’s turn to checkout the highest outshot in the sport. A confident hold followed and for the first time in the final, Rock had breathing space.

Both players were playing brilliant darts, showcasing some unbelievable scoring. Doets was finding his range on the bull once more with Rock lurking behind. He closed the gap in legs to one but it was soon two again as Rock chucked the dart into double six.

The Dutchman kept tabs with his opponent on double 16 before showing some skill with a bit of fortune. Rock missed the big number for a dart at tops, and Doets took full advantage by nailing double five for an exquisite 90 checkout.

Rock brushed it off quickly. Again on 78, he came to the oche after Doets missed at tops and took out the 78 he was previously on, finding double 12 with his third dart and would now throw for the match. A seventh 180 in the final left Rock on 60, and he took it out in two darts to complete a phenomenal final. He let out a passionate roar in delight as he secured a second Euro Tour title in his fifth final.