ROB CROSS IS THE CHAMPION IN HAMILTON 🏆 What a comeback in the final that was from Rob Cross as he recovers from 5-2 down to win the 2023 New Zealand Darts Masters title! #NZDarts | Final 👉bit.ly/PDCTVLive
Comeback Cross surges past World Matchplay champion Aspinall to win New Zealand Darts Masters
PDCSaturday, 05 August 2023 at 13:17
Nathan Aspinall looked certain to add back-to-back titles after winning the World Matchplay two weeks ago, but it was Rob Cross who claims the New Zealand Darts Masters in Hamilton.
A second World Series of Darts crown for Cross who produced a superb comeback to claim the win 8-7 in a decider.
He recovered from 5-2 down in the process and sealed his first World Series of Darts crown since 2018 also on the Australia/New Zealand series of tournaments.
Doing so, he hit a 98 average and five 180's despite struggling in the early stages on the outer ring with 8/22 overall. But he grew into the tie and barring a poor show in the latter legs in heading towards the finish, he produced when it mattered most.
It was Cross who emerged with the lead as he hit a 92 checkout for a 12-darter. But Aspinall as he has barring his opener kicked into gear from there.
He sealed back-to-back legs for a 13-darter and a 2-1 lead. He went two clear from there finding trusty double 18 again.
At the interval, he was in the dust as he hit a 171 followed by double eight for 5-2. But despite Aspinall holding, Cross held the impetus post break.
He broke pivotally at 6-6 with a 64 but handed Aspinall it back on a silver platter. He made a mess on the outer ring including busting and Aspinall hit 64 himself at 7-6.
Cross converted double 18 from there though to make it five legs from seven and made no mistake this time on double seven for an 88 checkout.
Classy from Crossy as they head towards the final World Series stop next week in Australia in a truncated edition this year. But for Aspinall, he showed he is very much still the man of the moment.
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