Austrian Darts Open: Rock defeats Doets to claim title

Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock secured his first title on the European Tour in almost two years with a 8-6 win over Kevin Doets in the final of the Austrian Darts Open on Sunday.

The 25-year-old from Broughshane scored five straight wins in Graz to secure the £35,000 top prize and a green jacket – joking “I’m just happy that two Northern Irishmen got a green jacket this year”.

Rock saw off Patrik Kovacs on Saturday to move into finals day on Sunday where he survived three match darts against Niko Springer to come through in a last leg decider to reach the last eight where he overcame Cristo Reyes.

In an all-Northern Ireland semi-final, Rock was a 7-3 winner over Daryl Gurney and finished the job in the decider with an 8-6 win against Netherlands’ Doets.

“I’m very relieved,” Rock said afterwards.

“To come here this weekend and win is a massive achievement. I’m just happy that two Northern Irishmen got a green jacket this year!

“I made my first final against Jonny [Clayton] here [in 2023], and when he got the jacket I was kind of jealous. Then Martin [Schindler] beat me last year in the semi-final and won it, so I was determined to win it this year, and I’m happy I finally got it.

“Kevin has been playing unbelievable this year, and he has proved it by winning his first ProTour on Monday. He’s only going to keep winning more, I’m just grateful I got the edge against him in this one.”

In the final, the opening four legs were shared with breaks of throw before Doets edged ahead thanks to an 11-darter.

Rock rattled off the next three legs which included a 170 checkout, but the Dutchman hit back as he punished a checkout error to level the final at 6-6.

However, Rock held his nerve to break back thanks to a 78 checkout and with the darts, produced a 14-dart leg to claim his first Austraian Darts Open and the customary green jacket.