Josh Rock Praised For 'Classy' Interview After Knocking Out Callan Rydz

Josh Rock has been praised by darts fans for his post-match interview after beating Callan Rydz at the World Darts Championship.

The Northern Irishman, who has been tipped as one of the favourites to win the tournament, defeated Rydz 4-1 in sets on Monday evening.

It was a match of high quality, with the second set seeing Rydz take out a 10-darter having hit seven perfect darts - a feat Rock matched - in succession.

Rock then clicked into eighth gear, hitting a stunning average of over 115 to whitewash his opponent in set three.

Rydz fought back in set four, but Rock broke his throw in the final leg to take it 3-2.

The Newcastle-born dartist began to struggle in the fifth and final set, with Rock holding throw three times to secure victory and his path into round four.

It was an emotional night for Rydz, as it was his first game on the Alexandra Palace stage since his grandfather passed away through illness prior to Christmas.

And in his post-match interview with Sky Sports reporter Polly James, Rock began by paying tribute to both Rydz and his family, and sent his well-wishes.

He said: "It was in the back of my mind [during the game] - I want to say sorry to Callan and his family for their loss of his grandad.

"I'm here to do a job, I've done my job, but I want to send my condolences to his family.

"I think I had to do a set down to kind of make up. The first set I didn't really start, Callan went up and won it on the first break. Then I had to wake up.

"I'm happy with the performance, and I'm happy with the result also.

"It was in the back of my mind for Callan, but at the same time, I was up here to do a job and I got the job done."

The Northern Irishman also did not initially celebrate his win on stage, instead immediately stepping over towards a clearly emotional Rydz before shaking his hand.

Reacting to the interview and Rock's actions, one fan wrote: "Nothing but absolute class from Josh Rock in that post-match interview."

A second said: "So classy from Josh Rock. Very likeable bloke."

A third added: "Josh Rock, great player, great bloke. I hope he goes very deep into this tournament."

While a fourth stated: "Class from Josh Rock there not to celebrate in the circumstances. What a player."

Rock will face Justin Hood in round four, with the winner of that match taking on either Michael van Gerwen or Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals.