Josh Rock has set his sights on title ambitions following a decisive 5–0 victory over Lisa Ashton at the Grand Slam of Darts. This win came after an unfortunate defeat on the opening day of group play, which Rock deemed a setback he needed to overcome. He remarked, “I think it was unlucky yesterday. Not many people average 109 and lose, but that’s darts.”
Rock’s Resilience and Performance
Reflecting on his latest performance, Rock expressed his determination to move forward. He stated, “There’s no point dwelling on it. You just have to wake up and know you can do the same again.” Despite the high stakes of needing a win, he remained unfazed by pressure, emphasizing that accepting outcomes is part of the sport.
Practice and Preparation
In recent weeks, Rock acknowledged his form had not met expectations. He credited his resurgence to increased practice and guidance from former World Master John O’Shea. “The last month and a half I was very dry, probably very lazy,” he admitted. Rock dedicated time to honing his skills, taking two ProTours off to focus on practice routines.
Respect for Opponent
Rock also extended compliments to his opponent, Lisa Ashton, a four-time Ladies’ World Champion. He acknowledged her ability, stating, “Lisa’s a legend of the game.” Despite the decisive scoreline, he recognized that Ashton is capable of delivering better performances.
Premier League Aspirations
While Rock has aspirations for titles, he remains realistic about securing a spot in the Premier League. “It’s not on my mind at all,” he stated. “If I do, happy days. But I’ve definitely not done enough to get in yet.” His current focus is to succeed at the Grand Slam, even though winning may not guarantee a Premier League spot.
Balancing Family Life and Darts
The 2022 World Youth Champion shared insights into managing his family life and professional commitments. With two young children, he values quality time at home. He acknowledged the challenges of practice versus family time, praising his wife for her unwavering support during his career.
Looking Ahead: Final Group Match
Rock’s upcoming group match is against Dutch player Gian van Veen, who has shown impressive form this season. Rock plans to maintain his routine and prepare diligently. “We all know we can win, that’s why we’re here,” he emphasized.
With renewed confidence and a focus on his goals, Josh Rock aims to demonstrate his skills effectively at the Grand Slam and beyond. “I’ve put the work in again,” he concluded, optimistic about the future.
