As of 18 months ago, Rob Cross and Richard North were relative unknowns in the world of professional darts.
Yes, hardcore PDC fans may have known small details about the pair, but you would hardly have them down as household names such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen or the great Eric Bristow.
Now both players have made it into the top 32 of the 2017 Pro tour order of merit at the first time of asking, a feat last matched by Stephen Bunting the year after winning the Lakeside World Championships. Cross has eclipsed Buntings PDC title haul in just 9 months.
Neither have set the world alight in televised majors this year. Although both have made a solitary last 16. North at the Grand Prix, whilst Cross went on his run at the UK open. The stage where he announced himself last year as a Rileys qualifier.
However, there feats this year have secured both men a seeded spot at the Players Championship Finals in November.
The mouth from the south's 27th spot has earned him a tie against Dutchman Jan Dekker, whilst Voltage will face Peter Hudson form his lofty number 3 seed position.
If either man finishes the 2017 as strongly as they have started their PDC careers, who knows where they might end up come the beginning of 2018.
https://twitter.com/bsd987/status/919828546801012736
Yes, hardcore PDC fans may have known small details about the pair, but you would hardly have them down as household names such as Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen or the great Eric Bristow.
Now both players have made it into the top 32 of the 2017 Pro tour order of merit at the first time of asking, a feat last matched by Stephen Bunting the year after winning the Lakeside World Championships. Cross has eclipsed Buntings PDC title haul in just 9 months.
Neither have set the world alight in televised majors this year. Although both have made a solitary last 16. North at the Grand Prix, whilst Cross went on his run at the UK open. The stage where he announced himself last year as a Rileys qualifier.
However, there feats this year have secured both men a seeded spot at the Players Championship Finals in November.
The mouth from the south's 27th spot has earned him a tie against Dutchman Jan Dekker, whilst Voltage will face Peter Hudson form his lofty number 3 seed position.
If either man finishes the 2017 as strongly as they have started their PDC careers, who knows where they might end up come the beginning of 2018.
https://twitter.com/bsd987/status/919828546801012736
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024
- Many fans had a sour taste in their mouth by the end of this match. Mike was cruising to victory, playing beautiful darts, when the whistling started in earnest, particularly on his doubles. You could see in Mike's face that it was really affecting his concentration. The referee should have asked for order, just to show that the whistling is unacceptable, and Luke Littler could also have done his part to quieten down the crowd instead of "taking full advantage.:" I put that down to his age though. He needs some good advice on this from his management team and/or more seasoned players. It's got to be about who's best on the night, not who is being harassed by the crowd. Luke Littler played well to get back into the game and win, but it was a hollow victory. If he goes on to win the tournament, that triumph too will be tainted because of this match.
UndartedWaters15-11-2024