Josh Rock 'not here to make up the numbers' after booking spot in quarter-finals at World Darts Championship
Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock booked his place in the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship with a commanding 4-1 victory over England’s Callan Rydz in Monday’s evening session at Alexandra Palace.
Despite the impressive result, Rock’s immediate focus was not on his own success, but on offering condolences to Rydz following the recent loss of his grandfather.
After sealing the win, the 24-year-old delivered a heartfelt message.
“Obviously I was the man on a mission, it was at the back of my mind. But I want to say sorry to Callan for his family and their loss of Callan's grandad,” he said. “I'm up here to do a job, and I done my job, but I want to say my condolences to the Rydz family."
Rydz, who had announced the passing of his grandfather on social media last week, dedicated his earlier 3-2 victory over Daryl Gurney to his late relative.
The 27-year-old spoke candidly about the emotional turmoil he has faced during the tournament and admitted: "I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm struggling. It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home.
“I came here to try and forget about it. I play for my family. I've got a job to do and thankfully I got through. I hear the crowd sing my name and I smile. But I wish I was home."
Rock had to overcome a sluggish start, dropping the opening set to Rydz before finding his rhythm and storming back to claim four consecutive sets.
Reflecting on the match, the Broughshane man said: “To be honest, I think I had to go a set down to kind of wake up cause the first set I didn't really start. Callan went up 1-0 on the first break, and then I decided to wake up after the first set. Happy with the performance, but happy to win also.”
With his sights now firmly set on the trophy, Rock made it clear he intends to compete for the title as he prepares to face Justin Hood in the quarter-finals on Thursday afternoon.
“I'm not here to obviously make the numbers up, I'm here to win the title,” he said. “So hopefully I keep playing the way I can and the way I know I can, hopefully I walk away with that title.”