'"I think we're both kind of disappointed'' - Josh Rock steps off stage disgruntled despite winning start at Grand Slam of Darts against Chris Dobey

Josh Rock picked up a win in his first match at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton on Saturday afternoon. 'Rocky' recorded a 5-2 victory over Chris Dobey, taking a first step toward reaching the knockout stage.

However, the Northern Irishman did not step off the stage overly satisfied. ''No, I didn’t play my game against Chris but to be fair, Chris didn't play his game against me," he told Online Darts afterwards. "I think we're both kind of disappointed."

Surprisingly, that win was Josh Rock's first on television in 2023. ''It's a huge monkey off my shoulders now because this year has been dreadful when it comes to TV."

Rock was pleased with the results at the Pro Tour tournaments (Players Championships and Euro Tours), though. ''Definitely this year on the floor has gone a hell of a lot better. Especially with the European Tours as well. The averages aren't there the same as last year, but the consistency iscthere with getting further so that's a bonus."

Meanwhile, 'Rocky' recently became Northern Irish number one for the first time, something he is immensely proud of. ''That’s probably the best feeling, apart from if I ever get the title of being world champion. Because you want to be the best in your country so yeah, it's a really good feeling."