Austrian Darts Open: Josh Rock beats Kevin Doets 8-6 to claim second PDC European Tour title and traditional green jacket

Josh Rock secured his second European Tour title as he won the Austrian Darts Open with an impressive 8-6 victory over Kevin Doets.

The Northern Irishman, who lost the final in Graz to Jonny Clayton three years ago, averaged 101.56 and enjoyed a crucial 'Big Fish' 170 checkout as he saw off the challenge of the in-form Dutchman on Sunday night.

Rock is currently bottom of the Premier League Darts table, but held his nerve to earn the £35,000 prize money and the green jacket, which is traditionally awarded to the champion in this event.

• Austrian Darts Open: All results
• Darts in 2026: Key dates, calendar, results
• Got Sky? Watch darts on the Sky Sports app

"I'm very relieved," Rock said after his victory.

"I made my first final against Jonny here and when he got the jacket I was kind of jealous. Martin Schindler beat me last year in the semi and won it, so I was determined to win it this year. I'm happy I've finally got it."

The victory comes a few weeks after his compatriot Rory McIlroy won his second Masters title in golf and he added: "Titles are very hard nowadays to win in any respect because the standard's that good. To come here this weekend and win is a massive achievement.

"I'm just happy because two Northern Irishmen got a green jacket this year!"

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Big Fish proves crucial in final against Doets

In a nip-and-tuck final, the defining moment came when Rock landed a 'Big Fish' 170 checkout in the seventh leg to break throw and move 4-3 ahead.

However, Doets took out 90 to break back in the 12th leg and level the match at 6-6, punishing Rock's failure to hit single 20 and set up a dart at tops.

However, the Dutchman failed to checkout 80 to hold throw in the next leg and Rock pinned D12 to break back immediately and move within a leg of the title.

He then held throw in the decisive leg, checking out 60 on tops before screaming with delight as he sealed his second European Tour title following the Dutch Darts Championship in 2024.

Earlier, Rock reached the final with a 7-3 victory over fellow Northern Irish player Daryl Gurney, nailing three ton-plus checkouts, including a match-clinching 145.

He'd also overcome Saturday's nine-dart hero Cristo Reyes 6-4 in the quarter-finals following a nail-biting 6-5 victory over Niko Springer in the last 16 in which he survived match darts from his German opponent.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Doets had excelled throughout Sunday's finals day, beating Ryan Joyce 6-2 in the opening match of the afternoon session and then landing a 170 checkout and averaging more than 112 in a 6-3 quarter-final victory over Luke Woodhouse.

He then overcame former world champion Rob Cross 7-3 in the semi-finals, taking the match with a fine 124 finish. Cross had earlier ended the hopes of Michael van Gerwen in the last 16.

Doets is ranked 33rd in the PDC Order of Merit but entered the tournament in fine form after claiming his maiden PDC ranking title at the Players Championship in Hildesheim earlier this week.

"Kevin has been playing unbelievable this year," Rock added.

"He proved it by winning his first Pro Tour and he's only going to keep winning more. I'm just grateful I got the edge against him in this one.

"Everyone needs to watch out because Kevin's in a good bit of form at the minute. I just hope he doesn't come against me in too many finals."

Sunday's Austrian Darts Open results

Evening Session
Final
Josh Rock 8-6 Kevin Doets

Semi-Finals
Kevin Doets 7-3 Rob Cross
Josh Rock 7-3 Daryl Gurney

Quarter-Finals
Kevin Doets 6-3 Luke Woodhouse
Andrew Gilding 1-6 Rob Cross
Cristo Reyes 4-6 Josh Rock
Martin Schindler 2-6 Daryl Gurney

Afternoon Session
Round Three
Kevin Doets 6-2 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 James Wade
Andrew Gilding 6-5 Kim Huybrechts
Rob Cross 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Cristo Reyes 6-3 Danny Noppert
Josh Rock 6-5 Niko Springer
Martin Schindler 6-2 Ross Smith
Daryl Gurney 6-3 Madars Razma

Who will win this year's Premier League Darts? Watch the action every single Thursday until May 28 on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.