CROSS EXPLAINS HOW PRESSURE SPARKED HIS COMEBACK

ROB CROSS says he “really has to work hard” once he gets his ARSE into a porcelain.

Voltage has rediscovered form with back-to-back Euro Tour semi-final runs at the Austrian Darts Open and the International Darts Open.

The former world champion narrowly lost 7-6 to Ryan Searle in Riesa despite averaging more than 100.

Cross believes his recent performances have finally helped settle his head after a difficult spell.

He said: “It’s a great bit of confidence. All weekend I knew I was in a position where I have to work hard now.

“It has probably settled my head down. I’d like to be like the top players like I was.

“I think you get it easier so the hunger’s not so much. But at the minute I have to keep working hard.

“I have great people behind me so I am very lucky. I just need to keep plugging I suppose.”

Cross has now moved into a provisional qualifying spot for the World Matchplay after defying the pressure to keep his season alive.

He added: “I think it’s the only thing in the head. I think some people they get pressure in life and they can’t deal with it.

“It eats them up and I’m probably a bit of a different person.

“I know I should not say this — I will probably get DRA — but when I have got my arse up into that porcelain you really have to work hard.

“You really have to dig deep.

“Like I said, everyone around me I really appreciate it. Not only that, I am working hard and I am going to come back stronger.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.