'That's why Littler is going to be number one soon' – Josh Rock denied by World Champion in dramatic Flanders Darts Trophy final

Josh Rock was left to reflect on fine margins after being edged out 8-7 by Luke Littler in the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy final in Antwerp on Sunday night.

The Northern Irishman, who lifted the World Cup of Darts alongside Daryl Gurney earlier this summer, produced another strong display but was narrowly denied as Littler sealed the European Tour crown with an 11-darter in the deciding leg.

Rock started brightly, punishing Littler’s early misses on the outer ring to move 5-2 ahead. The World Champion responded with a burst of four straight legs to turn the match on its head, but Rock showed his resilience by forcing a decider with a superb 161 checkout on the bull as Littler waited on 16 for the match.

Ultimately, though, Littler proved too strong in the final leg, holding throw to secure the title.

"Why he is the World Champion"

Rock was quick to acknowledge the quality of his opponent’s performance. “That performance is why he [Littler] is going to be number one soon and that’s why he is the World Champion,” he said in his on stage interview afterwards.

Despite the disappointment, Rock was satisfied with how he handled the contest and emphasised the positives from his weekend’s work.

“I’m always really hard on myself, maybe I should have been better but I’m happy with my performance. When you go to a last-leg decider with the World Champion you have to try and give it your all – we move on," he assesses. "It’s always a learning curve. I’m here to compete and win titles, I’m happy with my weekend.”