Josh Rock goes toe-to-toe with Michael van Gerwen with stunning nine-darter

Josh Rock announced himself on the big stage with a stunning nine-darter – but it wasn’t enough to stop clog almighty Michael van Gerwen.

At 21, Rock is tipped for the top – despite him only qualifying for his PDC Tour card on the last day of Q school 10 months ago.

But the former chicken factory worker from Antrim showed no sign of nerves as he went toe-to-toe with three-times world champion Van Gerwen in the Grand Slam of Darts.

In only the second leg of a pulsating clash, the oche’s new Rock star raised the roof with his perfect leg – seven smackers on the treble 20 lipstick, treble 19, double 12.

His celebration was so enthusiastic that he hurt his left ankle, and the Dutchman was relieved to reach the Grand Slam quarter-finals with a 10-8 win.

With the Wolverhampton crowd chanting “Rocky, Rocky”, the most exciting sportsman to come out of Northern Ireland since Rory McIlroy said: “I know it’s only one leg, but when you hit a nine-darter in the Grand Slam it can only give you confidence.

“I’m not sad to go out of the tournament – I’m happy because I’ve shown everyone what I can do.”

Asked what went through his mind when he needed to nail that double 12, Rock replied: “Nothing – just try and hit it!”

Michael van Gerwin had to fight for his victory (Image: Shane Healey/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

Van Gerwen had to produce his best form, and average 109, to beat Rock (104) in one of the finest darts matches ever seen on these shores.

MVG admitted: “I had to dig deep – we are going to see a lot more of Josh in the future. He’s a big talent, a phenomenal player.

“I told him to keep it going and he will be a champion on this stage. This is like what I had on this stage with Phil Taylor 15 years ago.”

Van Gerwen was unmoved by Rock’s nine-darter but admitted: “I said to him ‘well done’ during the break, but on the stage I have to focus on myself and do my own thing. The only thing I worry about is my own score.

“That is the best I have played in a long time. Everyone thinks I am a robot but I am a human – as long as I can keep up with the young boys.”