Belfast Premier League winner Stephen Bunting says Northern Ireland’s nine-dart hero Josh Rock has the ability to become a world champion in the future.
Bunting saw off Dutchman Gian Van Veen in the final to win the fourth night of competition of this year’s series but had to share the limelight with County Antrim man Rock, who hit the perfect leg during a quarter-final defeat in front of his home crowd.
Bunting’s success saw him secure his first points of the campaign, while Rock sits bottom of the table among the elite eight-strong field without a point to date.
“Josh is such a fantastic player, I’ve been practicing with him over the past few weeks, and his time will come,” said Bunting at the post-event media conference.
“He is one of the best players in the world. People need to get off his back. He was up against the ropes tonight and he pulled out a nine-darter, from nowhere. That shows how good he is.
“I honestly believe that if he knuckles down and keeps doing what he’s doing it’ll only be a matter of time before he wins a world championship.”
Twenty-four-year-old Rock’s consistent performances during the season have catapulted him to the upper echelons of the world rankings and helped him secure a maiden Premier League appearance this term.
“His averages, his scoring, his finishing, he’s got the whole package, and he’s such a young lad as well, so grounded, works really hard, he’s got a lovely family,” added former BDO world champion Bunting.
“He’ll definitely not finish this Premier League with no points anyhow, I can guarantee that.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’s a great friend of mine, and I wish him nothing but success.”