Rock reveals four-stone transformation and admits he “likes” himself more

JOSH ROCK says he “likes” himself more now after losing FOUR STONE in a huge physical transformation.

The world No8 opened up about his weight loss after beating Ryan Searle 10-7 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.

Rock, 25, averaged 95.11 and hit THREE ton-plus finishes, including a brilliant 152 checkout, to get past Heavy Metal.

The Antrim thrower has enjoyed a steady campaign, reaching the semi-finals of the UK Open and quarter-finals of the World Matchplay while also winning the Austrian Darts Open in Graz.

Rock admits he is still adjusting to his new physique on the oche but insists he feels better in himself than he did 12 months ago.

He said: “If you look at every major tournament I’ve played, I’ve gone quarter-final, semi-final, quarter-final, but I’ve played the winner.

“So, you know, when you’re playing the world number one, that’s very hard. Obviously just to get over the line, as I was, it’s difficult for anybody.

“But I’m not playing bad this year. I know that for a fact. I just maybe haven’t been up to scratch as well as the year before.

“As you know yourself, I’ve lost a lot of weight. I’ve lost four stone, so I’m just obviously getting used to the new balance.

“But I like myself now more than I did last year.

“I’m doing okay. I just obviously want to do better, but it’s a small process.”

Rocky is now setting his sights on climbing the PDC rankings, with silverware rather than prize money driving his ambitions.

He added: “I want to be top four.

“Top four is my main goal this year and I’m obviously in a decent position to do that.

“So I just need to give myself a kick up the backside and get on the practice board and get there.

“No, it’s achievable. If you get to the final of the World Championship, it’s nearly the exact same as what you won a couple of years ago.

“But I’m not here for the money, I’m here for the trophies.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar