Josh Rock hopes home support can ignite his 2026 BetMGM Premier League campaign when Night Four heads to Belfast’s SSE Arena on February 26.
Rock has suffered three straight quarter-final exits, losing to Jonny Clayton, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries. He now faces fellow debutant Gian van Veen, who reached finals in Newcastle and Glasgow.
“I’m massively excited,” insisted Rock.
“This is the one out of all the Premier League nights that I’m really looking forward to.
“We haven’t had anyone from Northern Ireland playing in the Premier League since Daryl [Gurney] in 2020, so it will be good to have somebody back on home turf!
“I don’t think there’s any added pressure. Hopefully I will enjoy it a little bit more because my friends and family will be there supporting me.
“It will probably be tough for Gian because I think the Belfast crowd will be against him, but I think he’ll still cope with it okay, so the best player on the night is going to win.”
Van Veen impressed in Glasgow before falling to Clayton, who averaged over 104 and sealed victory with a stunning 156 checkout to top the table. The Welshman now meets world number one Luke Littler, fresh from his Poland Darts Open triumph.
“This is where I want to be, playing darts on the biggest stages,” declared Clayton.
“The crowds are fantastic… There is no better feeling, it’s a great feeling.
“I’m enjoying myself… I know how important points are week in, week out, and it’s going okay so far!”
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen faces Gerwyn Price, while Humphries meets Stephen Bunting.
Source: PDC.TV
