Cross after monumental comeback win over Dobey: "He was the better dart player but he never blew me away"

Rob Cross came from 8-2 down to defeat Chris Dobey and reach the second round of the World Matchplay and admitted throughout that he had the mindset that as long as his opponent didn't get to nine that he had a chance.

"8-2 down you think to yourself it's now or never. It's got to be right and stop him getting to nine before I get level and I was very grateful, I got level and then you fancy it straight away," said Cross post match.

"He was the better dart player but he never blew me away. By putting the pressure on, you can do anything. It was my night tonight and I'm very proud of myself."

"Mentally this year I'm better, if I'm 5-0 down in a ProTour, it doesn't matter. I've got the belief to win again. I just feel capable again and fresh.

Being the first player to be a major champion barring Paul Nicholson to not be included in the Premier League, 'Voltage' has had some time to reflect and said that at points he is glad of the break away from the elite tournaments.

"It's made me happier spending time with the family, I've got the rest break. It's not as complicated, I hate playing the game when it feels complicated. Realistically for me, it feels like my first year and that's when I produced some of my best stuff."

"That's what it's all about, I know from September I need to be great if I want to do anything because that's how it rolls but to have a good run in this would mean the world to me."

"In the past when I've played Premier League and everything, I don't feel like I've got any correction time. Now I can work on a game, I'm going back I'm putting the hours in and for me that's how I did it first year."