Josh Rock has called out the media for their treatment of the younger players on the tour after his victory over Wessel Nijman.
The 23-year-old produced a superb comeback to defeat Nijman 5-3 to keep his Grand Slam of Darts hopes alive.
The Northern Irish thrower has been touted as one of the stars of the future, along with Luke Littler, and he’s called for the media to treat them with more care.
Josh Rock criticises media over treatment of younger players
Rock has everything to play for heading into his final game of Group H against Stephen Bunting, but he’s not happy with the way he’s treated by the media.
Speaking to Online Darts, Rock said: “I understand why they’re doing it because obviously we’re the future of the game.
“So I understand why they’re doing it, but it’s a pain in the a***. Why they’re doing it, in my opinion, because you have to look at Luke Littler he’s getting it all.
“And I don’t know if it’s affecting him or not, but he hasn’t been performing the way he has in my eyes. Just need to give the youth players a wee bit of slack sometimes I think.”
Both Rock and Littler are still in line to reach the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The ‘Group of Death’ lived up to its moniker
Rock has not had it easy in the Grand Slam, being drawn against Bunting, Wessel Nijman, and Gian Van Veen.
The standard of darts in the group has been outstanding, with Nijman losing both of his games so far – against Bunting and Rock – with a 100+ average.
As things stand, with one game left to play each, Van Veen and Rock will be going through with Bunting and Nijman missing out.