ROCK PAYS HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO RYDZ AFTER WIN

JOSH ROCK paid a heartfelt tribute to Callan Rydz’s grandfather after his passing just a week before their World Championship clash.

World No. 11 Rock averaged 98.98 and hit NINE 180s to defeat ‘The Riot’ 4-1, securing a place in the last 16 at Ally Pally for the second time in his career.

‘Rocky’ has now set up a showdown with Justin Hood, against whom he remains undefeated in their three previous encounters.

But the Antrim thrower took a moment to offer his condolences to Rydz, mindful of the emotional weight his opponent was carrying.

He said: “I was a man on a mission but it was on the back of my mind, I want to say sorry to Callan and his family for the loss of his grandad.

“I am up here to do a job and I did my job but I want to send my condolences to the Rydz family.

“I think I had to go a set down to pick up. It was time to wake up after the first set, happy with the performance and the win also.

“I am not here to make the numbers up, I am here to win the title.

“If I keep playing the way I know I can, I can win the title.

“I think I have got a very hard game tomorrow night so I need to be on my game.”

Rock has been in great form this year reaching three major semi-finals and winning the World Cup for Northern Ireland alongside Daryl Gurney.

The 24-year-old also picked up a title on the ProTour after winning Players Championship 10.

Image by Taylor Lanning.