Rock, affectionately known as "Rocky", already has five Development Tour titles to his name, making his televised debut just two months ago in a defeat to Michael van Gerwen.

“Everybody says that I’ve got an old head on young shoulders, and I’m happy I am that way,” he said, as quoted by PDC.tv.

“I see a lot of people my own age going out partying. I’m here doing what I love doing, and that’s playing professional darts.

“I am beyond proud, because anybody would bite your hand off to have the year I’ve had in my first year."

“As soon as I turned 16, I left school and all I wanted to do was play darts," said Rock. "I have always wanted to play on this stage, and it will be a privilege to do it this year.

“I want to be world number one and I want to be World Champion, and I will do everything I can to achieve that."

Rock is next up against Jose Justicia in Alexandra Palace on December 17th.