“Everyone came to a standstill” – Josh Rock reveals even Ally Pally practice room were glued to Hood–Noppert thriller

Josh Rock may have produced his most assured performance yet at the PDC World Darts Championship 2026, but the Northern Irishman admitted that one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches stopped preparations in their tracks across Alexandra Palace.

Rock was speaking after completing the second round with a controlled 3–0 win over Joe Comito, a performance built on heavy scoring and calm finishing. Yet it was the five set epic between Danny Noppert and Justin Hood that dominated conversation backstage.

“I don’t know about everybody coming back down, but everyone came to a standstill watching that game because it was phenomenal,” Rock told TalkSport. “I actually wish I was out in the crowd watching it because it was unbelievable. The standard was unbelievable.”

Hood’s dramatic victory over the world number six proved one of the standout moments of the championship so far, and Rock made clear its impact was felt far beyond the main stage at Alexandra Palace.

When Rock did step on stage, there was little drama required. The 24 year old delivered his highest Ally Pally average to date, posting 101.32 in a straight sets win that never allowed Comito into the contest for long.

“Obviously fantastic, the performance and the way I played,” Rock said. “Very happy. Everybody just wants to get after Christmas because obviously you’re still in the tournament. That’s even better. I don’t look at averages – averages don’t win trophies – so I’m happy with the performance.”

Rock’s display combined sustained scoring power with composure on doubles. While Comito produced the highest checkout of the match with a 120, Rock’s ability to repeatedly apply pressure proved decisive, finishing on 42.9 percent and striking four maximums across the contest.

The Northern Irishman was in control throughout, surviving a brief missed opportunity to break before responding immediately with a 100 checkout to reassert his authority.

Rock’s victory takes him into the third round for another year, matching his best previous run at the tournament. He is fully aware, however, that the challenge increases sharply from here.

“As I’ve said, getting after Christmas is the main bit,” he said. “Obviously you’re into the deeper part of the tournament. I know Callan is a tough opponent, I know that for a fact, so I’m just going to give my all against him.”

The section of the draw continues to take shape, with former champions also producing big performances, but Rock remains focused on his own preparation rather than wider narratives. “I don’t really care when I play,” he said. “Coming back after Christmas is a bonus.”

Rock closed the final match before the Christmas break, a slot that usually carries its own atmosphere. This time, however, it was handled with minimal fuss. “It was all business tonight,” he said. “The crowd kind of half cleared out just before I had the winning dart, but everybody wants to go home for Christmas – and so do I.”

That sentiment was echoed when asked about his immediate plans. “I’ll go home tomorrow morning, see my kids and my wife,” Rock said. “Hopefully Santa comes for the kids, and then we’ll be back.”

Rock will return after Christmas knowing he has already delivered one of his most complete performances on the Ally Pally stage. If the practice room stoppage proved anything, it is that standards are rising fast — and Rock is very much keeping pace as the championship moves into its decisive phase.