Austrian Darts Open: Rock beats Deuts to claim title

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

25-year-old Broshen secured the £35,000 top prize and a green jacket after winning five in a row at Graz – “I’m delighted that two Northern Irishmen have got a green jacket this year”.

Rock defeated Patrik Kovacs on Saturday to advance to the finals day on Sunday where he survived a three match dart against Nico Springer to reach the last eight after defeating Cristo Reyes.

In an all-Northern Ireland semi-final, the Rock were victorious 7–3 against Daryl Gurney and finished the decider with an 8–6 victory over Deutz of the Netherlands.

“I’m so relieved,” Rock said afterward.

“It’s a massive achievement to come here this weekend and win. I’m delighted that two Northern Irishmen have got a green jacket this year!

“I made my first final here (in 2023) against Johnny (Clayton), and I was kind of jealous when he got the jacket. Then Martin (Schindler) beat me in the semifinals last year and won it, so I’m determined to win it this year, and I’m glad I finally got it.

“Kevin has been playing incredible this year, and he proved that on Monday by winning his first ProTour. He’s only going to win more, I’m just thankful that I got the edge against him in this match.”

In the final, the opening four legs were split by a break of throw before Deuts went ahead for an 11-darter.

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

However, Rock held his nerve to checkout 78 and, with the dart, produced a 14-dart leg to claim his first Austrian Darts Open and the traditional green jacket.