Northern Ireland's Darts Triumph: Gurney and Rock's World Cup Victory Sparks Growth

Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock have etched their names in darts history by clinching the World Cup of Darts for Northern Ireland in a nail-biting final against Wales. The duo emerged victorious with a 10-9 win in the last leg, securing the £80,000 prize and their first world championship title.

A Thrilling Final

The final was a rollercoaster of emotions. Northern Ireland was on the brink of victory at 9-8 but missed four darts to seal the win. Welsh pair Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton capitalized on the opportunity to level the score. However, Gurney held his nerve in the decider, hitting the double eight to secure the win.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Gurney expressed his hope that this victory would inspire more young players in Northern Ireland to take up darts. "If me and Josh can help push on darts, it would be brilliant," he said. "We've always had a brilliant standard of players, but with Josh coming through and me winning in previous years, more people are taking notice of Irish players."

Gurney's Praise for Rock

Gurney was full of praise for his partner, Josh Rock, whom he believes has a bright future in the sport. "Josh was immense, the best player in the competition for me," Gurney said. "His scoring was unreal, and he pumped them in at perfect times. He has been on fire all year, a future world champion, future major champion, and just a pleasure to play with."

A Sweet Moment for Gurney

For Gurney, hitting the double eight to seal the victory was a particularly sweet moment. It marked his third major title since the 2018 Players Championship. Despite being the lowest-ranked player in the final, Gurney kept his composure to deliver when it mattered most.

Looking Ahead

Gurney and Rock's victory is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for darts in Northern Ireland. Their success is expected to attract more attention and investment into the sport, providing opportunities for the next generation of players to shine on the global stage.