Josh Rock insists he doesn't get fazed by hype or the often unforgiving limelight of being one of the world's top darts players. It has become part of his sporting journey.

Former World champion Gary Anderson previously claimed that the media had "absolutely destroyed" rising star Rock. Back in 2023 he said the press had set the Antrim player back "two or three years".

The 'Antrim Rocky' blasted onto the scene in 2022 when he became World Youth champion and rose up the PDC Order of Merit rankings. He also hit a televised nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts.

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Anderson compared the media scrutiny of Rock to teen sensation and recently crowed World champion Luke Littler who became an overnight sensation following his performances at Ally Pally just over a year ago.

Rock told Belfast Live: "I don't think being in the spotlight did anything to me. Maybe subconsciously it did.

"Someone like Luke Littler is a different class. He lets everything go over his head, while I might have over-analysed things a little bit more.

"But it didn't faze me too much, because I have been slowly climbing the rankings and I am now top 16 in the world. So it didn't bother me too much.

"I didn't think about the spotlight or limelight, to be honest. There are times when there is a camera in your face all the time and it can get a bit annoying, especially at the Worlds when you're trying to practise.

"But you get used to it after a while."

Rock admits Anderson's commentary of the situation two years ago was "probably right", but insists his own climb to 16th in the world rankings is testament to his own ability, and character.

"Gary has a wee soft spot for me, that's why he mentioned me in his interview," Rock joked.

"He is probably right in what he was saying, but I am in the top 16 for a reason. I am comfortable with all the attention now. It will always be there and it is part of our sport, so you have to get used to it."

Rock is currently in action at the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes. He outclassed Jermaine Wattimena in the opening round on Thursday, just two days after he got married. 'Rocky' claimed a 3-1 victory to progress to the last-16 of the tournament.

He says performing in the televised tournaments is one of his main objectives this year, with this week's Masters being shown live on ITV 4.

"It is a great way to start the year. It is a new year and it is a new me," he said.

"It will be a very different Josh Rock this year. I will be very confident heading into the TV tournaments. I got a monkey off my back at the Worlds (in beating Rhys Griffin) because I wasn't doing too good up to then.

"The targets this year are to stay in the top 16, and maybe a top 10 spot. And you never know, if I do well in the majors then I could possibly sneak into the Premier League."

Josh Rock was speaking to Belfast Live as he announced a multi-year deal with world-leading darts manufacturer Target Darts. To explore the full ‘Rocky’ range, please visit: https://www.target-darts.co.uk/players/josh-rock-products

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