Rob Cross has been crowned the 2025 Dutch Darts Masters champion in Den Bosch! Voltage prevailed 8-5 against Stephen Bunting in the final on Sunday night to take the title.
Reaching the final with a thrilling last leg decider victories over Raymond van Barneveld and Luke Littler in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively, Bunting was searching for back to back World Series titles to kick off 2025. Cross meanwhile, had seen off Jermaine Wattimena and Gerwyn Price on Sunday in Den Bosch to book his place in the final.
Given his strong start to the season, it was Bunting who started the final as favourite. It was Cross who came flying out the blocks though, taking the opening two legs to build up an early buffer. After Cross the missed two darts for a 3-0 lead, Bunting ruthlessly took out 81 to get on the board in the final. With the next three legs going on throw, as the players headed off stage for the interval, Cross was up 4-2 on the Bahrain Darts Masters champion.
After the break, Cross increased his lead to three, moving 5-2 up via a 13-dart break of throw. Bunting though, proved he wasn't to be counted out just yet, immediately breaking back, then holding with a stunning 94 checkout to get back within one leg of his opponent. Moments later, Bunting went even better, pinning a 130 finish to level up at 5-5.
Just as the momentum looked fully on the side of Bunting, Cross countered again, breaking throw in 15 darts to get back ahead at 6-5. Finding double 6 off the back of a 72 checkout, Cross then moved one away from the title. Although Bunting had the darts in the next leg, Cross kicked off with five perfect to seize control. The nine-darter didn't come, but just moments later, Voltage nailed double 8 for the victory.
BUNTING IS BACK LEVEL!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 25, 2025
This is incredible!
It's another 12-darter for Bunting, who takes out a stunning 130 on the bull to restore parity at five apiece!
📺 https://t.co/bKw0qCqi9J #DutchDartsMasters pic.twitter.com/blGcuMLTNq
Depending on how long he plays i can see Cross racking up a fair few more titles. Must be in the top 10 of PDC Majors with 4 wins he is often overlooked yet is always thereabouts.
I agree. Rob is often a dark horse yet has performed very well over the years to maintain his high ranking. When his scoring power is there along with his trademark combination outshots he is very hard to beat. Consistency at that level could see him rise to 3rd or even 2nd in the rankings. Who knows, even a second world title?