Josh Rock hits nine-darter in Premier League debut
In a remarkable display, Josh Rock achieved the first nine-darter of the Premier League season at the SSE Arena in Belfast, thrilling a home crowd before ultimately falling 6-2 to Gian van Veen in the tournament’s first round, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Irish player made his entrance to a raucous ovation, spurred on by the support of nearly 20 family members and friends present. Rock’s achievement of hitting the nine-darter—a sequence requiring a specific scoring pattern to achieve the perfect leg—left him visibly emotional.
“Someone explain to me how that just happened!” exclaimed Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle, illustrating the shock of the moment, as Rock transitioned from appearing overwhelmed to executing the perfect throw. “Then perfection. Take nothing for granted in darts. How amazing!” he added.
Despite the personal triumph of the nine-darter, Rock has had a challenging start to his Premier League campaign, and he could not secure a victory, with this match marking another setback in his quest for points. Sky Sports Darts’ Laura Turner commented on the significance of the achievement over the match outcome, noting the electric atmosphere when Rock struck the double to conclude the nine-darter.
Other matches saw Luke Littler continue his difficulties in the league, exiting in the first round against Jonny Clayton, while Michael van Gerwen also faced early elimination after a dramatic comeback from Gerwyn Price.
While Rock’s performance didn’t lead to a win, the nine-darter—a rare and memorable feat—will remain a highlight in the memories of fans and the player alike, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sport where brilliance and adversity coexist.
