GURNEY: ROCK WILL TURN PREMIER LEAGUE FORM AROUND

DARYL GURNEY has backed Josh Rock to “come good” despite his tough Premier League start.

World No.7 Rock finally got off the mark on Night Eight in Berlin, ending a run of seven straight defeats as he beat Jonny Clayton 6-3 in the quarter-final. 

Two-time major winner Gurney believes that result could be the turning point in his season. 

He said: “I still think Josh Rock will come good. He is only halfway through the Premier League now.   

“The hard stage is over he has played everybody. I feel like the next one for him is just around the corner.” 

The pair enjoyed huge success together last year, lifting the World Cup of Darts for Northern Ireland and forming one of the most exciting partnerships in the sport. 

Gurney, who featured in the Premier League between 2018 and 2020, admitted he has no desire to return to the competition. 

But ‘Superchin’ has been messaging close pal Josh Rock every week with words of support, knowing exactly what his team-mate is capable of. 

He added: “I went there in Belfast whenever Josh was playing in the Premier League. 

“They want me back in the Premier League. I don’t need the Premier League. 

“That is the last thing on my mind. I would need to win something major and we are talking the Worlds or the Matchplay to even be in the thoughts. 

“Do I need it? No. Do I want to be in it? No. I don’t need that chaos in my life. 

“If they all of a sudden came to me and said, ‘Do you want to play in it?’ 

“I would definitely say yes. 

“I think for me Josh is so mentally strong. He has come such a short way in such a short space of time. 

“I think this will not affect him. I text him good luck every week. I don’t give him advice because it’s Josh Rock. 

“He is one of the best players on the planet. He doesn’t need my advice. 

“I am a hard-working, grafting dart player, whereas Josh Rock is more natural. 

“I can’t wait until we play the World Cup again. Hopefully we will defend it. 

“Every week on a Thursday he just replies back and goes, ‘Thanks, D.’ 

“You have to support your partner and that’s my partner. If I don’t support him, who else will? 

“I am going to keep his confidence up until we get into the World Cup. 

“I’d rather go back-to-back World Cup champions than win an individual tournament for myself.” 

Rock returns to action this evening and will face Jonny Clayton on Night Nine in Manchester.

Image by Taylor Lanning.