Cross eases through to round two at World Matchplay with victory against Dobey

'Voltage' claimed a 10-3 win over 'Hollywood' with a 100.6 average, five 180s and a 130 checkout to seal the deal. In a game where he was expected to be pushed all the way, he will be pleased to have a stress free night; Cross will now face either Krzysztof Ratajski or Darren Webster next.

Cross begun the tie by going into a commanding three-nil lead with Dobey only averaging around the 81 mark. 'Hollywood' got off the mark and reduced the deficit to 3-1 but 'Voltage' stretched his lead to 4-1 with 66 percent on the doubles at the interval.

He continued his procession over the Bedlington ace and went 5-1 ahead with another break of throw. A 12-darter from Cross meant that Dobey had a lot to do to get back into it going towards the latter half of the contest.

Dobey as a result smashed in a 145 checkout to trail 6-2 and get back into the tie; but Cross held throw with a 13 darter to go three away with a 7-2 advantage.

At the second interval it was 8-2 to Cross as he went two away averaging 101 with five 180's at this point. When they returned there was a glimmer of hope for Dobey with him claiming a 14-dart break to make it 9-3. Cross though went one away breaking back and then completed the job to end proceedings on the first night of action in Blackpool.

Click here for more information on this year's World Matchplay.

First Round
Nathan Aspinall (102.96) 5-10 (100.55) Mervyn King
Gerwyn Price (92.02) 12-13 (95.11) Stephen Bunting
Gary Anderson (93.75) 10-6 (87.77) Danny Noppert
Rob Cross (100.6) 10-3 (91.34) Chris Dobey

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