Darts star Josh Rock has claimed that he was banned from changing his walk-on song at the World Matchplay. The Northern Irish thrower had initially hoped to change his anthem ahead of the World Cup of Darts earlier this summer.

Rock has since walked out to the same song - 'Welcome to the Party' by Dj Krissy - at both events. However, the 23-year-old insists he has not U-turned on his wish to amend his tune. Instead, he claims he has been banned from doing so. Darts players are generally allowed to change their walk-on tune, but the PDC can veto their choices.

Reminded of his wish to change his walk-on song, Rock said at the World Matchplay: “I didn’t change my mind, I just wasn’t allowed, but I’m not going to go on about it.”

Rock is into the quarter-final of the World Matchplay after a stunning victory over Michael van Gerwen. The Dutchman raced into a 4-1 lead before Rock produced a memorable comeback. He edged a thrilling contest 13-11 following a tense tiebreak.

Having revealed before the match that he had been thrashed by Van Gerwen in a practice match ahead of the tournament, Rock was thrilled with his performance. He said: “That’s one of the best games I’ve ever been involved in, without a doubt.

“I think you could see by my celebrations at the end what that meant to me. My heart was pumping throughout the whole game. Michael always seems to turn up against me, but I’m so happy to get the win.”

Rock will face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-final. The Welshman powered past Chris Dobey in just 24 minutes in his second-round match.

Price said afterwards: “I don’t think Chris played badly at all. I felt like I was on top of my game in the middle part of that match. I was in the zone and I managed to keep my focus.I’m confident in my own game. Playing like that will give me even more self-belief, and I feel like I’m getting back to my best.”

Luke Littler also made a statement with a stunning, come-from-behind 13-11 victory over Jermaine Wattimena. Littler was 7-2 down at one stage in the match before winning six legs in a row. The 18-year-old boasted afterwards: "I'm a world champion for a reason, I find these gears when I need it.”