“I still think Josh Rock will come good. He is only halfway through the Premier League now,” said Daryl Gurney, reflecting on the young player’s potential after a tough start to the season.
In a significant turnaround, Josh Rock ended a run of seven straight defeats by beating Jonny Clayton 6-3 in the quarter-finals on Night Eight in Berlin. This victory marks a crucial moment for Rock, who had previously suffered a devastating 0-6 loss to Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals on Night Seven in Dublin.
Rock’s journey in the 2026 Premier League Darts has been a rollercoaster. As one of the wildcard picks in the eight-player lineup, he faced immense pressure to perform. The Premier League champion stands to earn a staggering £350,000 first prize, adding to the stakes of each match.
Matches in the league are played every Thursday until the Finals Night on May 28, with every contest being a best-of-11 legs format. The top four players will advance to the Play-Offs, making each game critical for Rock as he aims to secure his place.
Gurney, who has been supportive of Rock, commented, “I think for me Josh is so mentally strong. He has come such a short way in such a short space of time.” This sentiment underscores the rapid rise of Rock in the competitive world of darts, where mental fortitude is as crucial as skill.
As Rock prepares to face Jonny Clayton again on Night Nine in Manchester, the anticipation builds. Gurney added, “I text him good luck every week. I don’t give him advice because it’s Josh Rock,” highlighting the respect Rock has earned among his peers.
The upcoming matches will be pivotal for Rock, who aims to build on this recent victory and secure his spot in the Play-Offs. With 16 nights of competition remaining before the Finals, every performance counts.
As the league progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rock can maintain his momentum. His recent win could be the turning point he needs to elevate his game and challenge for the title.
For now, the focus remains on the next match, where Rock will look to capitalize on his newfound confidence and continue his ascent in the Premier League Darts.