O’CONNOR SHOCKS CROSS WITH CLASSY WIN
30/01/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
WILLIAM O’CONNOR delivered a sensational performance to defeat Rob Cross 3-1 in the first round of the Winmau World Masters.
The victory not only secured his progression in the tournament but also propelled him into the top 50 of the PDC Order of Merit.
O’Connor’s triumph was even more impressive given that Cross, fresh from winning the Dutch Masters, posted a stunning 103.19 average.
However, the Irishman defied the odds, producing a moment of magic with a brilliant 151 checkout to seal the win.
Speaking after his victory, ‘The Magpie’ shared his thoughts on hitting the fabulous checkout and the tournament format.
He said: “I’m not sure about the beauty of a format. I mean, when you’re up against it, it’s not a good format, but it is what it is, you have to make the best of it.
“It was better than my attempt at what was it, tops and tens? Oh no, it was tens and fives. Scandalous. So I said to myself you better knock this one. So I’m happy it went in.”
The former UK Open semi-finalist is now aiming to kick on and have a successful year on tour.
He added: “I’m hoping this year I can put all that right. I’ve dedicated myself this year. I know I’ve said it a few times, but I have. I’ve 100 per cent this time.”
Images by Taylor Lanning.
