Josh Rock has revealed an unusual pre-match mishap affected his performance during Premier League Darts Night Two in Antwerp, attributing a sudden loss of grip to soap used backstage. The Northern Irishman explained at a press conference: "I went to the toilet just before I went up on stage and whatever soap they had — obviously you wash your hands after going to the toilet — I used it. The next minute I went up there and thought, 'This isn’t going to start well.' I just couldn’t feel it at all."
Rock said he quickly identified the cause, which allowed him to maintain perspective. "I actually laughed at it straight away because I knew what the problem was," he stated. "If I’d played like that and didn’t know what the problem was, then obviously we’d have an issue. But I knew I couldn’t get any grip on my hands. No matter how much I was trying to lick my fingers or rub my finger up and down the barrel to roughen them, it wasn’t working. So I just let that one go." The incident hasn't shaken his confidence, with Rock adding: "It didn’t faze me at all. I knew what was going on, so you just move on."
To prevent a repeat, Rock has now taken precautions. "Now we’ve got a plan B. I’ve got a bit of chalk and wax in my case from now on," he confirmed. Looking ahead, Rock is focused on collecting crucial points in the race for the play-offs and is eagerly anticipating the next stop in Glasgow. "Glasgow is quite close to home, so I’m really looking forward to playing here," he said, noting the city's proximity and his strong bond with Scotland, partly through his love for Rangers FC. "I’m obviously hoping for lots of support from the crowd, but I don’t know exactly what to expect. I don’t think it adds extra pressure. I’d love it if they get behind me."
Sportingly, Rock faces a tough challenge in Glasgow, where he meets high-calibre opponent Luke Humphries. However, the Northern Irishman remains focused on his own development in the opening weeks of the competition. "We’ve only just started. Maybe I need a few weeks to get used to it, but hopefully not. Hopefully I pick up points this week straight away," he said. Reflecting on his debut Premier League season, Rock expressed enthusiasm: "I’m really, really enjoying it. I’ve taken it in my stride and I’m smiling the whole time. I’m one of the elite players, so I might as well enjoy it while I can." He also praised the atmosphere, stating: "The noise and the vibe are totally different from anything I’ve ever played in. But I’m used to it now and I can’t wait to be out there every week."
