Dutch Darts Championship: Josh Rock targets major success after maiden European Tour title win

It was a second PDC ranking title for the Northern Irishman, who will next month make his debut at the World Cup of Darts and became the sixth different winner in seven European Tour events this calendar year.

The opponents were drawn a 4-4 before Rock took control of the contest, winning the next four legs to claim the £30,000 prize in Rosmalen.

The 23-year-old told PDC media: “This is the biggest win of my career, 100 per cent.

“I haven’t had very good luck against Jonny in finals. He beat me on the ProTour and in Graz [in 2023], but I felt really confident coming into this final.

“I said this weekend I was here to win the tournament. Jonny is one of the nicest men in darts. I love him to bits, but my name is on the trophy and I’m so happy.

“I have lost in so many finals, but I keep believing that I will win and obviously today I proved that I can.

“I have always said my next one was going to be a major title and that’s my main focus, but I have proved that I can win on the big stage now.”

Rock, who hit the highest checkout of 142 in the final showdown, earlier bounced back from a 3-1 deficit in his semi-final to reel off six straight legs and beat Martin Schindler 7-3.

Clayton, who claimed a 6-2 victory in the last eight, took out world number two Michael van Gerwen to reach the final, rebounding from 4-0 and 6-4 down to force a deciding leg.

Van Gerwen had reached the final four after a 6-1 thumping of compatriot Danny Noppert, while Schindler averaged 106 with five 180s in his 6-5 quarter-final defeat of Luke Woodhouse.

Photo Credit: Jonas Hunold/PDC Europe