Josh Rock reacts

Josh Rock admits that the limelight on young players is a “pain in the arse”.

The former World Youth Champion beat Wessel Nijman 5-3 in the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton.

He now faces a last-match shootout with Stephen Bunting to reach the knockout stages.

But Rock, 23, says the media focus on the likes of him, Luke Littler and Gian van Veen makes it tough for them to progress.

I understand why they’re doing it, we’re the future of the game.

MVG [Van Gerwen] is not going to last forever, Rob Cross, Luke Humphries, no one is going to last forever. That’s just what darts is going to be. I understand it, but it’s a pain in the arse!

You have to look at Luke Littler, he’s getting it all. I don’t know if it’s affecting him or not. But he hasn’t been performing the way he has.

In my eyes if you don’t put Humphries in, Luke Littler is one of the best players in the world, probably No2.

You just need to give the youth a bit of slack sometimes.

Josh Rock

Grand Slam fixtures

7:10pm – Barry vs Ilagan

7:35pm – Joyce vs Van Leuven

8pm Mansell vs Rodriguez

8.25pm – De Decker vs Suljovic

8:50pm – Humphries vs Wade

9:15pm – Smith vs Wattimena

9:40pm – Van Gerwen vs Anderson

Grand Slam

Long break ahead in the Grand Slam with the next match taking place at 7.10pm.

Keane Barry and Lourence Ilagan are next!

Van Veen wins

What a decisive win for Gian van Veen!

Van Veen beats Stephen Bunting 5-1 with a thrilling performance.

Bunting 0-3 Van Veen

Make that three for Gian van Veen!

Stephen Bunting can’t find an answer.

Bunting 0-2 Van Veen

What a start for Gian van Veen.

Two points ahead of Stephen Bunting and made it easy.