December 20th 2023.
Rob Cross is ready to take on the challenge of the World Darts Championship again, feeling he has had a successful season that puts him in contention for the title at Alexandra Palace.
The 33-year-old has only won the Sid Waddell Trophy once, back in 2018 when he beat Phil Taylor in the final on his debut. However, he has solidified himself as one of the most elite players in the game over the last 12 months.
Cross has had several victories on the European Tour, World Series, and at a Players Championship. He has also made it to the finals of the Grand Slam and Masters. He believes this season is second only to the immense season he had when he won the world title.
“I’ve won a few bits and bobs, won back on TV again, lost in a couple of major finals, but I’m enjoying it more this season,” Cross told The Agency. “The biggest one still to come so I’d give myself a 7 or 8 out of 10 so far. It’s weird though, if I rated it out of the seven years I’ve played in the PDC I think it’s my second best year.”
Cross has not been past the last 16 at Ally Pally since winning the World Championship. He has had a consistent season, breaking his record average on TV. Cross hopes that his experience as a professional will help him with his timing at Ally Pally this time round.
“Last year I hit it too early, I peaked a couple of weeks before my first game so this year I’ve taken some time off, spent time with the family and trying to get ready for a long campaign,” he said. “It’s about timing in set-play. It happens really fast. It’s so intense, the game can chance so much so quickly, your timing has to be right. But I love set-play, it’s my favorite format and I can’t wait to get stuck in there.”
Cross comes to Alexandra Palace this year as world number eight. He has fond memories of the place where he lifted the sport’s greatest trophy and is looking forward to the nerve-jangling experience.
“I can remember the first time I walked in there, it’s the longest walk you’ll do in darts from the practice room to the stage,” he said. “The butterflies, the nerves, it’s just an incredible place and the pinnacle of the sport. If you can’t get nervous at Ally Pally you’re made of stone. You can’t really have a heart, it’s that special, it’s that big. The hairs on the back of my neck, on my arms are standing up when I get there.”
Cross will start his journey to a potential second world title on Thursday afternoon when he takes on Frenchman Thibault Tricole in his opening contest of the 2024 World Darts Championship.
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