‘Words can’t explain it’ - Rob Cross speaks after winning through to 1st World Final
NewsSunday, 31 December 2017 at 12:00
Rob Cross has capped off one of the best rises in darting history and is into the Worlds top ten. He did that by defeating and dethroning the defending champion ‘Mighty’ Michael Van Gerwen in a sudden death thriller.
After the game the former electrician spoke and admitted words couldn’t explain his win but that it was his turn to defeat the world number one who has beaten him in multiple major tournaments on the way to titles such has been the form of both players this year.
"Words can't explain it, they really can't," said Cross. "Obviously I've lost to Michael a fair few times but tonight was my turn. At a point I felt inexperienced, I really did, but I managed to get through it and I'll make sure I'm right again for a couple of days."
Cross has not been able to get the better of Van Gerwen in a televised game previously, including losing in October's European Championship final, but showed his class in adapting to the big stage in Saturday's triumph.
"I'm confident in my own ability and I actually think if I come out and play like I can, near my best, then I actually believe I can keep up with Michael every day," said Cross.
"Obviously there are factors that mean I've not been able to do that but that just comes with being more comfortable. I feel I could be better than I have been but that comes with being more comfortable.
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/947260517600522241
After the game the former electrician spoke and admitted words couldn’t explain his win but that it was his turn to defeat the world number one who has beaten him in multiple major tournaments on the way to titles such has been the form of both players this year.
"Words can't explain it, they really can't," said Cross. "Obviously I've lost to Michael a fair few times but tonight was my turn. At a point I felt inexperienced, I really did, but I managed to get through it and I'll make sure I'm right again for a couple of days."
Cross has not been able to get the better of Van Gerwen in a televised game previously, including losing in October's European Championship final, but showed his class in adapting to the big stage in Saturday's triumph.
"I'm confident in my own ability and I actually think if I come out and play like I can, near my best, then I actually believe I can keep up with Michael every day," said Cross.
"Obviously there are factors that mean I've not been able to do that but that just comes with being more comfortable. I feel I could be better than I have been but that comes with being more comfortable.
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/947260517600522241
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- I dont like individuals or crowds trying to put any player off when they are trying to check out, how anyone can think its okay for the crowd to whistle or shout as someone is throwing for a double is beyond me but it does seem to have become part and parcel of the modern game. I no longer play now, darts is as good as dead at a local level round my way but when i did play many years ago, no matter how intense the rivalry you never shouted out or whistled when an opponent from the other team was throwing for a double.Mysstree17-11-2024
- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - 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