Josh Rock’s struggles continued over the weekend when the Belgian Darts Open was supposed to offer some much-needed respite.
Rock has had his confidence drained in the Premier League after losing in each of the first seven weeks, with Gerwyn Price most recently whitewashing him 6-0.
The Northern Irishman failed to even compete in that match, averaging only 84.21 and missing all four of his attempts at double.
Unfortunately, low averages and poor finishing have been the story of his tournament, and the 24-year-old has only posted a ton-plus average on two occasions.
To turn his fortunes around in the second half of the campaign, his all-round game has to improve. Sadly, even away from the Premier League, the wheels appear to be falling off.
Josh Rock suffers early Belgian Darts Open exit
The Belgian Open created some intriguing story lines over the weekend, as Luke Littler suffered a shock exit in the last 16 at the hands of Niels Zonneveld.
HUYBRECHTS KNOCKS OUT ROCK! 💥
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 21, 2026
More joy for the Belgian home crowd! 🇧🇪
Kim Huybrechts becomes the second Belgian player through to Finals Day, defeating Josh Rock 6-4 in our final Round Two match in Wieze!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #ET3 pic.twitter.com/0I2tciIOPI
Meanwhile, Rock suffered more agony during his last 32 clash against Kim Huybrechts. The 24-year-old opened up a 4-2 lead and only needed two more legs to confirm victory, but he capitulated against the hometown hero as Huybrechts rattled off four legs in quick succession to win the match.
Huybrechts would have counted his blessings after winning with an 87 average and 26% on the checkouts, as the same problems continued to haunt his opponent.
Rock crumbled on the decisive doubles and wasn’t consistent enough in the scoring phase to give himself more time at the end of legs.
Rock heading for unwanted Premier League record
The manner of Rock’s defeat in the third European Tour of the year won’t fill him with confidence ahead of night eight of the Premier League in Berlin.
He faces the difficult challenge of beating Jonny Clayton, who continued his excellent start to 2026 by reaching the final of the Belgian Open.
🏆Really pleased to be taking home the trophy!🇧🇪
— Luke Humphries MBE (@lukeh180) March 22, 2026
Belgium, you were amazing, and the fans were brilliant all weekend.
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster of a weekend for one reason or another, but I got the job done, and it's a real boost for my season (and aura😉😂).
Thanks… pic.twitter.com/q0JCNYbDIX
Clayton did eventually lose 8-6 to Luke Humphries, but the Ferret was still exceptional on the outer ring with 46% on the checkouts.
That is around the figure he’s produced in the Premier League so far, and if he continues a similar standard on Thursday night, Rock will be edging closer to an unwanted Premier League record.
Glen Durrant has the worst record in the competition’s history with nine defeats, and Rock is only two away from equalling that.
