"I underestimated Gemma Hayter big time – that’s on me" - Josh Rock vows not to make same mistake in second round after sketchy victory

On paper, it looked like a routine first round match for Josh Rock at the PDC World Darts Championship against Gemma Hayter. While he did defeat Hayter 3-1, it was not a brilliant performance from Rock compared to his usual high standards. When speaking to Dartsnews.com in his press conference after the match, Rock admitted that he 'underestimated' his opponent.

The signs from the off were not great for Rock. Even though he wrapped the set up with ease, a number of missed doubles were not punished thanks to his scoring. When 2-0 up, it looked like he would see the match out but doubling woes along with a more settled Hayter saw the women's series qualifier grab a maiden set on her debut. Rock did not let her get back into it from there, sealing the victory and confirming his place in the next round.

"Nerve-wracking first set, definitely. Listen, the first game is always the hardest game. I thought backstage I was preparing very, very well, but when you come up there it’s a completely different scenario. I’m not happy with the performance, obviously. I think, personally, I underestimated Gemma Hayter big time – that’s on me. After going 2–0 up and then playing her in the third set, I thought, 'Ah, 3–0, happy days,' but that wasn’t the case. Thankfully I dug deep. I’m disappointed with the performance, but happy with the win."

The duo managed to share a laugh at the end of the match. "She laughed at me. I said, 'I wasn’t expecting you to get a set off me,' and she said, 'Neither was I.' Fair play to her – she nicked one off me, but I got the job done."

There has already been a number of early round upsets in this year's tournament. Rock was looking to avoid being one of the big names to exit in the first round. It was a massive relief when he pinned the winning double. "The first round is the hardest one. I honestly think it’s harder than winning the trophy, because you just want to stay in the tournament," Rock boldly stated. "When it comes to my second game against Joe Comito, I won’t be performing like that, I can assure you. I’m disappointed with how I played, but happy I’m still in the tournament."

Rock is desperately hoping to still be in the tournament at Christmas. "The first game is always the hardest. You don’t want to be going home before Christmas. I proved that tonight – the way I’ve been playing all year and then that performance. But I got it together towards the end.  

The 24-year-old is one of the final seeds to take to the stage. With the round one action culminating today, Rock had watched on all the action and was waiting for his turn to take to the stage. "I wouldn’t say pressure – it’s more a pain in the backside. I’ve been here since Tuesday and I really wanted to play on Wednesday. You’re playing at Alexandra Palace, you just want to get up there and play. Now I’m playing on the 23rd, the last day before Christmas – two years in a row. I’ve been preparing better and I’m looking forward to it."

He had some world class darters to practice with. "I’ve mainly been practising with Scott Williams. Rob Cross went home early, so that was that. I came over on Tuesday because at home there’s no one close enough to really put the hours in," he commented. "Daryl’s [Gurney] two hours away, whereas Scott’s 20 minutes from me when I fly into London. We had a really good session on Wednesday, Scott went home Thursday, and I played today."

It has been a terrific year for 'Rocky.' Three major semi-final appearances, including the World Matchplay, along with winning the World Cup of Darts. He has firmly cemented himself as one of the best players in the world, and with this is not satisfied with deep runs. He wants to win it. "Winning the trophy would mean more than a deep run. We’re not here to make up the numbers – we’re here to win the trophy. If I can’t win it, then that’s my own fault," the Northern Irishman said.

It could have been a highly anticipated matchup against Euro Tour winner Niko Springer in the second round, but it will be Comito for Rock to next defeat. Rock will not be making the same mistake as today. "I’ll be preparing a lot better than I did for Gemma. I definitely won’t underestimate Joe," he stated.

Rock is just taking it one game at a time, just focusing on the task at hand. "I never look past the first round. If you do that, you’re asking to get beat. I always take it one game at a time. Preparations will be very different for Joe, and I won’t play like that again – because I’m going to smash him," he concluded.