Josh Rock hit the first nine-darter of the Premier League season in emotional scenes at the SSE Arena to send the fans into a frenzy.
The Northern Irishman, who went on to lose 6-2 to Gian van Veen in the first round of the tournament, had to wipe away tears after the perfect leg.
Rock had been introduced to a wild fanfare in Belfast as he made his way to the stage as he sought out a first win in the Premier League.
Coming up against 2026 World Championship finalist Van Veen was always going to be a tall ask - but the 24-year-old was left teary-eyed after his remarkable feat.
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An emotional Josh Rock hit an incredible nine-darter in front of his home crowd
|SKYSPORTS
Having admitted around 20 of his family and friends were with him in his corner, the SSE Arena's roof lifted off after he hit the double-12 to land the perfect leg.
Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle said: "Someone explain to me how that just happened!
"Rock was looking all over the place, looked a beaten man.
"Then perfection. Take nothing for granted in darts. How amazing!"
NINE-DARTER FOR JOSH ROCK IN BELFAST! 🚨
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) February 26, 2026
One of the all-time great Premier League Darts moments as Rock sinks a nine-darter in front of his adoring fans 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JHT2ji75VM
Rock has endured a tough time in his maiden Premier League campaign and even a roaring crowd could not see him claim his first victory.
Nevertheless, the 2025 World Cup winner will never forget that magic moment where he hit the nine-darter in front of his biggest fans.
Sky Sports Darts' Laura Turner said: "We know it is all about the points but to hit a nine-darter in front of a home crowd in Belfast... the noise was unbelievable when he hit the double. Nines don't win you matches but it was a special moment."
Elsewhere, Luke Littler's Premier League troubles continued as he crashed out of the first round to Jonny Clayton.
The Welshman, who was already top of the table after winning last week's Premier League night, beat the world champion 6-3 to continue his incredible form.
Josh Rock might have lost but he gave the Belfast crowd what they wanted
|PA
Michael van Gerwen, who missed last week's round of fixtures, also lost in the first round after Gerwyn Price staged an incredible comeback from 5-3 down.
Stephen Bunting also claimed a big scalp in Luke Humphries, as the Bullet beat his first opponent of the Premier League season.