Despite the nine-darter, the 6-2 defeat was a fourth successive loss by that score for Rock in his debut Premier League campaign.
Known as one of the biggest scorers on the tour, the 24-year-old has struggled to replicate that – averaging 92.33 across the four weeks – and his checkout percentage is 29.63% (eight from 27).
Despite that, he now has a memory he will never forget, after which the home faithful lauded him.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rock said: “My body is in overdrive. I’m shaking like a leaf. I’ve never played in the Premier League, never mind a nine-darter in Belfast.
“Never mind the loss – throwing a nine-darter in front of the home crowd is a huge achievement. I don’t care if I never throw a nine-darter again – this is a dream come true.”
However, former World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said Rock “needs to start putting performances together”.
“I was saying he’s got no composure and can’t string two darts together, let alone three,” he said on Sky Sports.
“He won’t know where it has come from. It was incredible, but while it is great for him, he needs and wants to play miles better than that. He needs to start putting performances together.
“They [four 6-2 defeats in a row] are hidings. He needs to improve.
“There is so much more to come from Josh Rock and he needs to concentrate on that.”
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