Rob Cross became emotional after ending his six-match losing streak with a 3-0 victory over Cor Dekker at the World Darts Championship on Friday night at Alexandra Palace
An emotional Rob Cross said he has disappointed his family by failing to deliver in recent tournaments and missing out on major competitions.
The former world champion had endured six consecutive defeats heading into this year’s World Darts Championship. That barren spell finally came to an end at Alexandra Palace on Friday with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Cor Dekker.
Cross recognised the prestige of this tournament provided him with additional drive, after recently opening up about his money worries. In June this year he was banned as a director until 2030 after his company Rob Cross Darts Limited failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax.
Speaking after his victory, he said: “What’s probably got me up for this one is because it’s the World Championships. I know the importance of it every year, whether I win the first round or lose the first round, I always try and do my best in this.”
Cross continued: “It is the pinnacle of the game where we’re at at the minute – the World Championships. I’m sure if everyone woke up tomorrow and had a choice to win a tournament, this would be it.
“It would be my tournament. It changed my life all them years ago [in 2018]. I’m very appreciative of the game, but at the same time, I think this ain’t been there at the minute. But I need to get it out.”
Cross admitted he “probably expected to play better” reports the Express. He added: “I love this game, and I’d love to be around in 15 years, but I need to work harder.
“I’ve got four beautiful kids at home and a lovely wife. I’m fortunate in life, but I need to do better for them, too. So I’ve let them down.”
Cross is brimming with confidence and optimism. He declared: “I’m going to lap it up. I’m going to enjoy it. Hopefully, I’m going to do great things in this tournament, and I believe it’s there at the minute.”
The raw emotion was evident as Cross celebrated his victory, but the former world champion dismissed any suggestion that he felt relief.
“That ain’t relief,” he asserted. “I knew I was going to hit it. I’ve been hitting big finishes all week. I’ve had great averages, great legs. I’m going to lap it up. I’m going to enjoy it.
“Hopefully, I’m going to do great things in this tournament, and I believe it’s there at the minute.”