CROSS REVEALS HOW ACCIDENT SPARKED FORM TURNAROUND

ROB CROSS reckons an accidental equipment change has sparked his resurgence on the big stage after a difficult spell.

“Voltage” has shown signs of returning to his best this season by reaching the quarter-finals of the UK Open and the semi-finals of the Austrian Darts Open in Graz. 

The world No.23 has also moved into the provisional qualification places for the World Matchplay following his strong recent run. 

Cross revealed the turnaround started after randomly picking up a new setup during a practice session down south. 

He said: “Well, it was actually a complete mistake how I ended up with them. 

“I went down south and had a practice session with a friend of mine for a couple of days. 

“He’s one of those players who tries everything — another Peter Wright behind the scenes. 

“I picked them up and they’re a medium setup now instead of an intermediate. 

“I’ve thrown with them ever since and I can’t really see myself changing because of how straight they sit now.” 

Cross says the altered setup has completely transformed the way his darts fly through the air. 

He added: “There’s no lag in the dart, I’ve got loads of power in it and I can reach tops better. 

“There are loads of positives. I wouldn’t say I’m fully used to them yet, so there’s still more work to do and more time to spend with them, but I can’t really see myself going back.

“The way they fly and the way they hit the board, the dart goes dead straight. 

“With my old setup, the point would land left and the flight would go right, so there was a lag in the dart. 

“I made a living out of them, but I thought, ‘Let’s try and get them going straight for once’. 

“They’re a great setup and they work for me. 

“I think I’ve missed four nine-darters with them this year and I’ve also hit one, so they’re going really well. 

“I’m seeing some really great stuff behind the scenes, probably even better than what I’m showing here.

“But you’ve got to work hard and darts is a confidence game. 

“If you haven’t got confidence, sometimes you just have to make do, which I did today.” 

The former world champion endured a difficult 2025 season after failing to reach a televised quarter-final for the first time since 2016 and missing out on a place in this year’s Premier League. 

Cross also struggled with personal issues away from the oche and revealed his preparation completely disappeared at one stage. 

He said: “I feel a lot, lot better. I’m getting out there, I’m working harder and my mind is more on the job. 

“I think over a four-month spell last year, I maybe only played four or five days, off the top of my head. 

“So I was basically walking into matches cold. 

“Then after those four months, you try and hit a switch and suddenly play well, but it’s just not there. 

“At least now I’m doing the right things to give myself the best opportunities. 

“If it clicks behind the scenes, then I think I’ve got a great chance this weekend to do really well and go far, if not win it.” 

The Sussex thrower confessed he has had to swallow his pride after slipping down the rankings and being forced to battle through tougher qualifying paths for European Tour events. 

He continued: “Look, I’m used to the opening game anyway. 

“Whether you’re seeded or not, there’s pressure because nobody wants to lose ranking money. 

“For the seeded players, there’s probably even more pressure because if they lose early, they don’t pick up the guaranteed money. 

“Everyone works so hard for these spots, whether you’re in the top 16, top 32 or wherever you are. 

“When you’re not getting ranking money, it’s tough, but I’m not going to cry about it. 

“I understand they can’t just give too many opportunities away. 

“Sometimes you’ve just got to put your big boy pants on and carry on. 

“Personally, that’s what I’m doing. I’m working hard and as long as I’m doing that, that’s the main thing for me at the minute. 

“I’m never going to get better by doing what I did last year, so everything is heading in the right direction. 

“That’s all I’m interested in right now, head down and just keep moving forward.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.