Cross opens up on split from partner and his future ambitions

ROB CROSS joked “it’s tough” having to wash his own PANTS after splitting from his partner Georgia.

The former world champion has opened up on life after the pair decided to go their separate ways earlier this year.

But Cross, 36, insists they have found a much better way of co-parenting their four children.

Voltage has seen that stability reflected on the oche this season, winning Players Championship 22 before reaching the final of the Slovak Open.

He told SunSport: “Me and Georgia, we had a hard couple of years. Last year, there were a fair few rows.

“We made the decision to split this year. I have to admit, I will say this, she’s a great mum, and I get on better now with Georgia than I have done for years.

“We have a better understanding with the kids. I get them whenever I want them.

“I probably need that in my job. Credit to her. I can see my kids whenever I want.

“I can nip round and pick them up. And still take them out. I’m a lucky boy.

“We have no set times. Credit to her. She lets me have them whenever I am around.

“Most weekends are gone for me. But after school, I might pick them up. Do the best I can.

“If anything, it has given me a bit more structure in my life. I want to see them. I do that. Then I do my practice.

“I’m a busy, busy boy. It’s working well. I do get on better with her now. We don’t argue. The kids are our number one priority.

“It has not been nasty or vindictive and credit to her for that. We don’t have the most normal job in the world.

“It’s been a big change – when you have to wash your own pants, it’s tough.

“It happened, but the way it has worked out, it’s worked out well. It works for all of us. She gets time to herself, too.”

The four-time major winner slipped outside the world’s top 20 following a difficult 2025 campaign, failing to reach a single Euro Tour semi-final or make the last eight of any televised event.

Cross also missed out on the Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

But the Kent thrower insists he has rediscovered his hunger for the sport and is determined to climb back towards the top.

Cross begins his World Grand Prix campaign against Wessel Nijman in Leicester on Monday evening.

He added: “I had a massive shock to the system with my world ranking being lower this year. I’ve had to play as much as I can to get my one-year ranking up.

“Last year I missed a lot of tournaments, I missed some European Tours. And on TV, I have not really performed. Life is life.

“I was probably a bit guilty of not putting in enough effort last year at times, trying to deal with other stuff, off the dartboard.

“This year I have played some good stuff to get back. I should be in the TV events for the rest of the year now.

“I’m working harder and doing a little bit more. It’s tough at the top but also tougher at the bottom. My enjoyment for it went a little bit last year.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning