"The way I feel now is a major is coming soon in my eyes": Marriage, fatherhood and a new positive outlook for Josh Rock
PDC
Josh Rock believes his first major title is within reach after he beat Rob Cross 10-6 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the UK Open.
The Northern Irish darter posted an average of 99.92 and threw the maximum score of 180 seven times. Despite a difficult start, in which he fell behind 4-0, he still managed to beat 'Voltage' in the sixth round.
Earlier in the day, Rock recorded an impressive victory over Ross Smith. In a nerve-wracking match, he prevailed 10-9 in a decisive final leg, with both players posting averages above 103.
Rock, currently ranked No. 17 in the world, will take on Nathan Aspinall Sunday afternoon in the quarterfinals with a spot in the semifinals at stake. "Last year in the fourth round I got Rob and he beat me 10-2. I got my own back this year. ," Rock continued.
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When he led 8-6, he felt the match was within reach. "When I went 8-6 up, I thought I had him because I was settled, trebles were flying and he wasn’t hitting anything after that.
Afterward, Rock talked about his good relationship with Cross, with whom "Rocky" is in the same management. "In my eyes [our relationship is like] father and son. Teacher and student, it’s very hard to play well when he has taught me a lot of things in this game.”
The darter from Antrim revealed that his recent marriage and fatherhood give him extra motivation to capture his first major title. “It’s a fresh start with everything. I’ve proved it. I’m really happy. Obviously, I got married in January and had my daughter in September. Life has been a lot different and I’m benefiting from it.
“The way I feel now is a major is coming soon in my eyes. I have to keep digging deep and performing the way I have to.”
ROCK KO's CROSS!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 1, 2025
Josh Rock completes the quarter-final line-up at the Ladbrokes UK Open!
The Northern Irishman wins ten of the last 12 legs to complete a superb comeback win over Rob Cross!
📺 https://t.co/NoQ0dOaEl5#UKOpenDarts pic.twitter.com/vOObkS7ym7
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