"I want to send my condolences to the Rydz family" - Josh Rock speaks openly about emotional difficulties of playing Callan Rydz at Ally Pally

Josh Rock booked his place in the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship with a convincing 4–1 win, but the result carried an emotional weight that went far beyond numbers and averages. On stage, Rock faced close friend Callan Rydz, who competed under extremely difficult personal circumstances.

Rock produced a strong performance, recovering after a slow start and, above all, showing the mental resilience that underlines his growing status at the top of the sport. Afterwards, he was visibly satisfied with his game, but began his interview with a respectful and subdued message.

“Yeah, I’m very happy with the performance, but I want to send my condolences to the Rydz family,” Rock said. “It was in the back of my mind because me and Callan are very good friends, but I had to put that aside and do a job. So I’m very sorry for their loss.”

From a sporting perspective, Rock endured a difficult opening. He began sluggishly and saw Rydz take the first set, with issues on the doubles proving costly early on.

“Callan won the first set and I knew I was missing far too many doubles,” Rock explained. “I just said to myself, ‘Wake up,’ and I did that. When he won the first set it really woke me up, and obviously I got the job done.”

That shift was immediately visible. In the sets that followed, Rock increased the tempo, found his scoring rhythm and began finishing with authority. Checkouts of 108 and 109 underlined his class as he wrestled control of the match.

A key moment came with an 83 finish to move 3–1 ahead. “When I hit the 83 checkout to go 3–1, that was a crucial moment,” Rock said. “He was waiting on double 14. I said to myself, ‘Just hit the checkout,’ and I did.”

What made the contest especially challenging was the emotional context. Rydz played shortly after the passing of his grandfather, someone who had supported him throughout his career. That reality made it harder for Rock to fully focus on his own performance.

“Yeah, it was [difficult],” Rock admitted. “I was probably one of the first people to text him because me and Callan are very good friends behind the scenes. I texted him to say I was sorry for his grandad. If I was in his shoes it’s going to be hard regardless.”

During the match itself, Rock felt his concentration slip at times. “I was thinking too much about Callan if I’m being honest,” he said. “I went backstage and gave myself a kick up the backside and reminded myself I’m here to win this trophy, not to muck about.”

That mental reset proved decisive. Rock regrouped and demonstrated the resilience required to perform at the highest level. “Because we’re friends it affected me more,” he added. “If we weren’t close it probably wouldn’t have bothered me.”

With averages hovering around the 99 mark and a strong finishing display, Rock confirmed that his form remains in a good place.“Yeah, my game’s in a good place,” he said. “I can’t really complain about any aspect of it.”

Next up is a last-16 clash with Justin Hood, a challenge Rock is not underestimating.“It’s going to be very hard for the two of us because he wants a Chinese restaurant and I want the Sid Waddell Trophy, so there are two differences there,” Rock said. “He’s going to be up for it and I’m going to be up for it tomorrow.”

The win also carried significant ranking implications. Thanks to the result, Rock moves up to world number seven, news that came as a surprise to him.“I didn’t know that, so thank you for letting me know,” he said. “I’ve tried my hardest all year, and the main goal was to get into the top eight. So if you’re telling me I’m number seven, that’s not bad.”

Rock also spoke warmly about Rydz’s fast playing style, something he feels suits his own game.“Yeah, I love playing quick players,” he said. “We just get up there and get the game done, win or lose.”

One brief exchange backstage stayed with him. “Before we went on stage he said to me, ‘All the best, boy. Love you regardless of what happens,’” Rock recalled. “That meant a wee bit to me.”

With several debutants reaching the last 16, Rock believes the tournament highlights the current depth of the sport.“It doesn’t matter if you’re a seed or not,” he said. “Everyone can beat everyone.”

His message to the rest of the field is clear.“I’m here to play darts,” Rock concluded. “I’m not here to make the numbers up. I’m here to win the trophy as best I can. Hopefully tomorrow is even better.”