"Josh Rock threw everything and I just play with a little less confidence" - Second round and out for Dirk van Duijvenbode at Dutch Darts Championship

For Dirk van Duijvenbode, the second round has become the finish line at the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship. 'Aubergenius' went down 6-3 against Josh Rock on Saturday night.

Van Duijvenbode could not help but resign himself to the young Northern Irishman's mastery. "He played very well," admitted the 31-year-old Dutchman in his post-match interview with Dutch outlet, Viaplay. "With me, it went a little less in the beginning of the match, but at the end I reached a good level. However, it was too late and overall the game tonight was not good enough. There's nothing to criticize about that."

Van Duijvenbode has been struggling with injury in recent months and as such, although things are much better for him currently, 'The Titan' remains a little out of sync when throwing. "Maybe it's just the phase I'm in at the moment," the Dutchman concludes. "I'm playing without too much confidence and those are the few percentages you miss to make it exciting."

In the third round on this Sunday afternoon, van Duijvenbode's conqueror, Josh Rock will face off against Cameron Menzies, who in turn has already defeated both Raymond van Barneveld and Peter Wright at the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship.