Cross vows to keep “fighting”

By Phil Lanning

ROB CROSS has vowed he is “fighting” his way back to the top after another strong run in the Czech Darts Open.

The 2018 World Champion reached his sixth European Tour final at the weekend, losing out 8-5 to on-form Luke Humphries in Prague. 

But Cross, 31, has the curious record of two European Championship wins over the past three years but has now lost six Euro Tour finals.

He admitted: “Credit to Luke, he was brilliant. I struggled to hold my throw, that was my Achilles’ Heel in that one.

“I really enjoyed my weekend here, Prague has played host to a fantastic tournament with an amazing crowd.
“I wasn’t at my best today but I almost got the result and I’ll move onto the next one.

“It’s obviously frustrating to have lost six finals. But at the same time it shows I’ve had six great tournaments. Plus I’ve won two European Championships, a few players would like to have that record. It shows what I can do!”

Cross once again showed that he can grind out results with a 6-2 wins over Jules van Dongen and Ricky Evans before beating Ross Smith 6-4 and Vincent van der Voort 7-4.

But after his shock omission from the Premier League line-up in February, Cross is determined to come back stronger. 

He added: “I’ll always keep fighting. I have so much belief in my game and I know what I’ve got in the locker. 

“It’s up to me to prove myself consistently. I’ve been through so much over the past few years but I feel my mind is clear again.

“I feel it’s all about timing now. I’ve got to make sure I pick up a major tournament win to get myself back in the spotlight. The main thing is that I’m comfortable with my form.”