Josh Rock explains 'toilet issue' during Premier League night in Antwerp: "I actually laughed at it straight away"

Josh Rock is looking forward to the next Premier League Darts stop in Glasgow. After an eventful week, in which his performance in Antwerp was affected by an unexpected grip issue, the Northern Irishman wants to quickly get back on track and collect crucial points in the race for the play-offs.

In Antwerp, Rock ran into a situation he could hardly believe himself. Right before his match he almost completely lost control of his grip, something he says was caused by soap he had used backstage.

"I went to the toilet just before I went up on stage and whatever soap they had — obviously you wash your hands after going to the toilet — I used it. The next minute I went up there and thought, “This isn’t going to start well.” I just couldn’t feel it at all." Rock said at a press conference.

The cause was clear to him quickly, which helped him put things into perspective. "I actually laughed at it straight away because I knew what the problem was. If I’d played like that and didn’t know what the problem was, then obviously we’d have an issue. But I knew I couldn’t get any grip on my hands. No matter how much I was trying to lick my fingers or rub my finger up and down the barrel to roughen them, it wasn’t working. So I just let that one go."

Since then, he has taken precautions to avoid a repeat. “Now we’ve got a plan B. I’ve got a bit of chalk and wax in my case from now on."

Despite the disappointment on stage, the incident didn’t affect his confidence. Rock remained strikingly composed about the situation. “It didn’t faze me at all. I knew what was going on, so you just move on.”

For Rock, his debut season in the Premier League is a special experience. The intensity, the atmosphere, and the standard have made a big impression on the Northern Irishman. "I’m really, really enjoying it. I’ve taken it in my stride and I’m smiling the whole time. I’m one of the elite players, so I might as well enjoy it while I can."

He says the atmosphere in the arenas is unmatched. “The noise and the vibe are totally different from anything I’ve ever played in. But I’m used to it now and I can’t wait to be out there every week.”

The night in Glasgow has extra significance for Rock. The city is relatively close to home and his strong bond with Scotland, partly through his love for Rangers FC, makes the appearance even more special.

“Glasgow is quite close to home, so I’m really looking forward to playing here,” he said. “I’m obviously hoping for lots of support from the crowd, but I don’t know exactly what to expect.” He certainly doesn’t feel extra pressure. “I don’t think it adds extra pressure. I’d love it if they get behind me.”

From a sporting perspective, Rock faces a tough challenge. In Glasgow he meets Luke Humphries, a high-calibre opponent. Still, the Northern Irishman is mainly focused on his own development in the opening weeks of the competition. “We’ve only just started. Maybe I need a few weeks to get used to it, but hopefully not. Hopefully I pick up points this week straight away.”