Austrian Darts Open: Josh Rock beats Kevin Deutz 8-6 to claim second PDC European Tour title and traditional green jacket | Darts News

Josh Rock secured his second European Tour title as he won the Austrian Darts Open 8-6 against Kevin Dwights.

The Northern Irishman, who lost to Jonny Clayton in the final in Graz three years ago, averaged 101.56 and enjoyed a crucial ‘big fish’ 170 checkout as he saw off the challenge of the in-form Dutchman on Sunday night.

The Rock are currently bottom of the Premier League darts table, but held their nerve to claim the £35,000 prize money and green jacket, traditionally awarded to the champion at the event.

“I’m so relieved,” Rock said after his win.

“I got into my first final here against Johnny and I was kind of jealous when he got the jacket. Martin Schindler beat me in the semis last year, so I’m determined to win it this year. I’m happy I finally got it.”

The victory came just weeks after his compatriot Rory McIlroy won his second Masters title in golf and he added: “It’s very difficult to win a title in any aspect these days because the standard is so good. To come here this weekend and win is a huge achievement.

“I’m happy because two Northern Irishmen got a green jacket this year!”

Big Fish proved crucial in the final against the Doets

In a nip-and-tuck final, the defining moment came when Rock landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout in the seventh leg to break the throw and take a 4-3 lead.

However, Dwights came back in the 12th leg with a score of 90 to level the match at 6–6, punishing Rock’s failure to hit a single 20 and setting up a dart at the top.

However, the Dutchman failed to checkout 80 to hold the throw in the next leg, and Rock immediately bounced back by pinning D12 to move within a leg of the title.

He then held the throw in the deciding leg, checking out a top 60 before he screamed in delight as he sealed his second European Tour title after the Dutch Darts Championship in 2024.

Earlier, Rock reached the final with a 7-3 victory over fellow Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney, scoring three ton-plus checkouts including a match-clinching 145.

He would defeat Saturday’s nine-dart hero Cristo Reyes 6-4 in the quarter-finals after a 6-5 last-16 victory over Nico Springer in which he survived a match dart from his German opponent.

Dwights was superb throughout Sunday’s finals day, beating Ryan Joyce 6-2 in the opening match of the afternoon session before landing a 170 checkout and averaging over 112 in a 6-3 quarter-final win over Luke Woodhouse.

He then defeated former world champion Rob Cross 7–3 in the semi-finals, scoring 124 to win the match. Earlier, a cross had ended Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of reaching the last sixteen.

Deutz is 33rd in the PDC Order of Merit but enters the tournament in fine form after claiming his first PDC Ranking title at the Players Championship in Hildesheim earlier this week.

“Kevin has been playing incredible this year,” added Rock.

“He proved that by winning his first Pro Tour and he’s only going to win more. I’m just thankful that I’ve got the edge against him on this tour.

“Everyone has to be careful because Kevin is in pretty good form at the moment. I just hope he doesn’t come up against me in too many finals.”

Austrian Darts Open results on Sunday

Evening session
the final
Josh Rock 8-6 Kevin Doets

semi-final
Kevin Deutz 7-3 Rob Cross
Josh Rock 7-3 Daryl Gurney

Quarter-final
Kevin Deutz 6-3 Luke Woodhouse
Andrew Gilding 1-6 Rob Cross
Cristo Reyes 4-6 Josh Rock
Martin Schindler 2-6 Darryl Gurney

Afternoon session
Three rounds
Kevin Deutz 6-2 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 James Wade
Andrew Gilding 6-5 Kim Huibrechts
Rob Cross 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Cristo Reyes 6-3 Danny Knoppert
Josh Rock 6-5 Nico Springer
Martin Schindler 6-2 Ross Smith
Daryl Gurney 6-3 Mothers Rajma

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