In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace during the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock delivered a commanding performance to defeat England’s Callan Rydz 4-1 in their third-round clash, advancing to the last 16 where he will face Justin Hood. What truly captured hearts, however, was not just the comeback victory but Rock’s heartfelt post-match interview, where he shifted focus from his own triumph to offer sincere condolences amid Rydz’s personal grief.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of high-quality darts, showcasing the immense talent of two young stars in the sport. Rydz, visibly emotional throughout, drew first blood by claiming the opening set, putting the seeded Rock on the back foot early. The Englishman looked up to the sky several times, a poignant reminder of the heavy heart he carried into the contest following the recent passing of his grandfather. Yet, in a thrilling second set, both players teased perfection—Rock and Rydz each attempted nine-darters in back-to-back legs, sending the crowd into a frenzy with their “ridiculous darts.”
Rock, nicknamed “Rocky,” admitted the slow start jolted him into gear. “To be honest, I think I had to go a set down to kind of wake up cause the first set I didn’t really start,” he reflected afterward. “Callan went up 1-0 on the first break, and then I decided to wake up after the first set.” From there, the 24-year-old from Antrim found his rhythm, averaging just under 99 and powering through the next four sets to seal the win. It marked his strongest showing yet on the Alexandra Palace stage, building on earlier victories in the tournament that highlighted his potential as a serious contender.
But it was Rock’s grace in victory that earned widespread praise from fans and observers alike. Aware of Rydz’s family tragedy—revealed publicly when Rydz had posted a touching tribute on social media and spoken openly about his struggles after a previous win—he chose to use his interview moment to extend compassion. “I was a man on a mission… But I want to say sorry to Callan for his family and their loss of Callan’s grandad,” Rock said. “I’m up here to do a job, and I done my job, but I want to say my condolences to the Rydz family.”
This gesture stood out in a sport often defined by fierce rivalry and intense competition. Rydz, 27 and known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, had battled through emotional turmoil just to compete. After his earlier 3-2 win over Daryl Gurney, he had shared, “I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m struggling. It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home… I wish I was home.” Despite the defeat, Rydz’s resilience shone through, and Rock’s acknowledgment added a layer of humanity to the occasion.
Darts has always thrived on its blend of skill, drama, and camaraderie, and moments like this remind everyone why the World Championship captivates millions. Rock, a rising force who won the PDC World Cup earlier in 2025 alongside Gurney and has climbed to world number 11, now turns his sights to greater ambitions. He declared his intent clearly: he’s at Ally Pally not just to participate, but to challenge for the title. With his powerful throwing and newfound composure under pressure, few would bet against him going deep.
Rydz, meanwhile, exits with his head high, having honored his family through his efforts. His emotional journey has resonated deeply with fans, underscoring the personal sacrifices behind the bright lights and roaring crowds. As the tournament progresses into its later stages, stories like these—triumph tempered with empathy—elevate darts beyond mere competition, creating lasting memories in one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events in sport.
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