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Gareth Fullerton

Josh Rock hits nine-dart leg in Grand Slam of Darts thriller

Northern Ireland darts star Josh Rock hit a sensational nine-dart finish before being hailed as a "phenomenal player" by Michael van Gerwen.

Dutch legend Van Gerwen had to dig deep to see off Rock 10-8 at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton on Thursday night.

Rock - who recently won his first PDC ranking event at the Players Championship 28 - hit the perfect leg in what turned into a last-16 thriller.

Read more: Josh Rock sets sights on becoming world champion after PDC ranking event victory

The final double-12 sent fans into raptures as the name 'Rocky' echoed around the arena.

Speaking afterwards, Rock told Sky Sports: "I will never forget that. That was very special to hit the nine-darter, and thanks very much to the crowd.

"Nothing went through my head, I just tried to hit it (nine darter). I thought I broke my ankle when I celebrated. I am okay and it didn't affect me playing the game.

"My ankle just went boom, but it doesn't matter. It didn't affect me...maybe for one leg.

"I thought 'here we go' but it was grand."

The 21-year-old from Antrim added: "This will give me a lot of confidence. See hitting the nine perfect darts, it gives you a lot of confidence.

"I am not gutted (at losing). I am happy."

Van Gerwen - who remained motionless when Rock hit his nine-darter - said: "I enjoyed that. I enjoy having battles, everyone knows that.

"And what this guy Josh Rock is producing right now, he is a phenomenal player. I think a lot of him.

"I had to dig deep today, simple."

Reflecting on Rock's perfect leg, Van Gerwen added: "I said to him 'well done' in the break, but on the stage when it is 1-1 I have to do my own thing and concentrate.

"I played good darts here and under pressure. That is the best I have played in a long time. When you play a guy of this calibre you have to raise your game.

"He is a big talent."

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