Gian van Veen praised for incredible sportsmanship after Josh Rock's nine-darter

Darts fans have credited Gian van Veen with an incredible act of sportsmanship following Josh Rock’s nine-darter in front of his home crowd in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Van Veen and Rock competed in the quarter-finals of night four of the Premier League, with the Dutchman coming out a 6–2 winner, meaning the Northern Irishman remains bottom of the table on zero points after four weeks of action.

However, the 24-year-old, who is from Broughshane in County Antrim, still had something to shout about after hitting a nine-darter and, in doing so, picking up a set of 18ct gold darts reported to be worth £30,000.

Rock described the feeling as “special” when speaking to BBC Sport after the night’s action and revealed that his body was “shaking” due to the buzz of the occasion.

“I hope this gives me the belief to push on for the rest of the Premier League,” Rock said.

“I know what I can do and tonight I didn’t feel the pressure, but when I stood on that stage I felt added pressure and just wanted to perform. When I hit the first 180 and second 180, I just thought, ‘please hit this for everybody’, and I did.”

Meanwhile, Rock’s quarter-final opponent, Van Veen, who later went on to reach the final before losing 6–2 to Stephen Bunting, has been praised for what fans perceived as a sportsmanlike act during Thursday’s match.

One fan said: “Nice 9! But can we just talk about how GvV deliberately left 170 so casually… just in case, then had his hands pointed wanting Rock to get it! GvV is pure class.”

Another added: “Well done Josh Rock, nine-darter, way to go.”

While a third commented: “Brilliant from Van Veen as well. Proper sportsman, this lad.”

As a fourth praised: "Have to say massive credit to both @HuwWare100 and @GVV180 after that Josh Rock nine-darter.

"Both read the room and understood how special a moment it was for Josh and let him take it all in without rushing him, really great to see.

"And it isn't often Josh Rock is not in a rush."

Meanwhile, a video emerged on social media which appeared to show Rock discouraging the Belfast crowd from booing Van Veen while he was throwing. The Northern Irishman wagged his fingers at those booing during the eighth leg of the contest.

After night four, Jonny Clayton tops the standings on 11 points, while Van Veen is second on nine.

Michael van Gerwen sits third on eight points, while Gerwyn Price makes up the top four on seven.

Bunting (five points), Humphries (four points), Luke Littler (four points) and Rock (zero points) make up the remaining four places.

Night five of the Premier League will take place in Cardiff on March 5.