Ally Pally wasp makes dramatic return as Rob Cross would not discover it on his shoulder
2018 World Darts Champion Rob Cross didn’t notice he’d been joined by a friend after he knocked Cor Dekker out of the first round at the Ally Pally on Friday
Rob Cross didn’t notice he had a friend after reeling in the big fish to advanced to the second round of the World Darts Championship.
The 2018 World Champion kicked of his 2026 campaign against Cor Dekker on Friday afternoon – and made lightwork of the Norwegian with the exhibition finish to move on to the second round.
However, when speaking to Sky Sports on the stage after the game, he didn’t realise the infamous wasp had landed on his shoulder – less than 24 hours after Luke Littler was forced to dodge the winged menace.
“That wasp is more desperate for TV time than Katie Price,” one fan joked.
While a second said: “The wasp crawling on him in the post match interview lol. How has nobody called an exterminator in the last few years to get rid of the hive?”
And another added: “Rob Cross 170 and the Ally Pally wasp on his shoulder cool, calm and composure…”
Cross said: “I was a little bit edgy today. I thought I was going to come out and be brand new but I weren’t. The finish with that one I’ve been doing all week and that’s lovely.
“I’m really proud of myself. Glad to get through and there’s a lot more in the tank. Lots of fire in the belly. I think I’ll be better in the next game – I’m back!”
Sky Sports’ Glen Durrant added: “I know what it’s like to not be playing the darts that you’re used to playing. You’re going down the rankings, you’re protecting money, but he’s a champion and he’s an elite player.
“I said that I fancied him to do something really special – he was excellent on his doubles and I’m delighted for him.
“He’ll go away now, he’ll enjoy getting back on the practice board and he’ll want himself get ready for the next game.
“He’ll fancy his chances in that game [against Ian White in the second round] and then you’re in the last 32.”
