CROSS LOOKS TO REDISCOVER KILLER INSTINCT

ROB CROSS admits he’s “lacking” in his own game but believes he’ll find his killer instinct when it really matters.  

‘Voltage’ booked his place in the Poland Masters quarter-final with a routine 6-2 win over Krzysztof Kciuk despite hitting just an 85 average in Gliwice on Friday Night.

But the Sussex thrower did show flashes of brilliance as he pearled in a 12-darter to take a 4-0 lead in the bout.  

World No. 10 Cross then fired in a stellar 105 checkout to extend his advantage to 5-2 at the PreZero Arena. 

Former world champion Cross hopes he can bring his A-game just in time for his showdown with Michael van Gerwen at the World Series event.  

He said: “I won’t dispute at the minute I feel a little bit lacking in my own game. I wouldn’t say it’s there as strong as I want it. 

“But at the same time Krzysztof also did not play his best. We had a combination. 

“Look, at the same time I’m happy to get the win. 

“I think you always find out with me what is in the locker when something is in front of me where I have got to do it. 

“And if I don’t do it, I lose. It’s more live by the sword, die by the sword. 

“At the same time, I hit a lovely 12-darter in there. The next leg I think to myself routine 15-darter, but I couldn’t get close! That’s just darts and where it is at the minute. 

“It will need to improve for tomorrow but I’m pretty much sure it’s there and all.” 

Cross has already lifted the Players Championship One and Dutch Darts Masters this year but has yet to reach a major quarter-final in 2025.  

Four-time major champ Cross insists he’s never cared about rankings as he faces a battle to defend big money to stay in the world’s top 10 by the end of the year.  

He added: “I’ve never worried about ranking in the world. 

“If I was number one ranked in the world that would matter to me. 

“If I was number two or 96 it really doesn’t matter. You have the opportunities to qualify for tournaments and there is only one spot in the world that ever matters. That is number one. 

“If you’re not that, don’t worry. I’ve been number two a couple of times. I’m not one to worry about. 

“If I’m infused mentally I can win anything and if I’m not I can lose anything an all. 

“Look, I’m happy-go-lucky and enjoy the game when I am enjoying. Sometimes I don’t enjoy when it is not quite right. That is just where it’s at. 

“I know this year I have a lot to defend and I’m pretty sure when I get to January we are going to have the same chat and I will be fine.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.