Cross ends Van Barneveld's return to PDC World Darts Championship in emphatic victory
PDCThursday, 23 December 2021 at 22:56
Rob Cross has ended Raymond van Barneveld's dream return to the PDC World Darts Championship bringing it down to a shuddering halt at the Alexandra Palace.
Cross recovered from a set down to win nine out of the last 12 legs to seal an emphatic win 3-1 in sets in what was an enthralling encounter between two former World Champions.
Van Barneveld had a dream start had an incredible first set averaging 96.7 and hitting a 170 checkout en route to sealing an early lead as the Barney Army were firmly behind him.
But Cross produced a second set salvo including a 93 checkout to level proceedings up at 1-1 with both players combined hitting eight 180's up to that point.
He took the lead in sets after a thrilling last leg decider as he aimed to leave Barney behind and that he did with an 86 checkout en route to sweeping the set and claiming the win.
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- Sophie v Paige warranted a final and deserved a longer format, despite the completely shambolic start to the match regarding the scoring which I think unnerved both players, it was an excellent game. Both are outstanding players with great futures in darts. It was a shame such talented players had to meet so early and that Paige is out, she is brilliant and blitzed Sophie in that first set. Fantastic comeback from Sophie, so calm and nonchalant, survived a real scare but hope she becomes World Champion.richieburnettrocks04-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
- Oh fudge off. Who the hell decided Mardull was preferred choice. Just look as its idiotic face. What a talentless waste of space What a travesty when you compare what ITV had. He comes across as a jokey person but it's a class A piece of sheet, miserable as hell and completely full of himself. I don't know anyone who can say anything positive about this goof. Hopefully he'll meet Chris Mason in a dark alley. It really is paving over paradise.richieburnettrocks26-11-2025
- Needs to get the dart tip up when he pulls the dart back and his game will come back.BandB25-11-2025
- Absolutely disgraceful, really I've said many times that ITV coverage is superior to SKY and SKY know that. Jacqui was absolutely fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. Emma from SKY is more interested in what to wear than learning about darts. Chris Mason is absolutely the best and greatest commentator on TV, even better than Alex Jacques on F1 and Alex is absolutely brilliant. It is criminal that Chris and Alan will probably never be on TV again, what an amazing waste of talent. Poor Ned, who is just as excellent and knowledgeable on darts as the Tour de France has lost both gigs this year. The whole ITV team from presentation, commentary, production the whole team will definitely be missed and I have enjoyed every minute of their coverage. Thank you so much. John Part is the ONLY decent and knowledgeable person on SKY. I liked Glenn Durrant the player but he is awkward and dreadful on commentary all the rest are utterly useless.richieburnettrocks24-11-2025
- Gurney is off form and will completely crack and have a meltdown as the crowd will be relentless, although I think Beau will beat him anyway. I also think Fallon will beat the Helium voiced Chisnall. Poor Gemma has a toughie Peter Wright is also completely off the boil but will probably squeeze past Lisa. Ian White v Mervyn King is an old school classic.richieburnettrocks24-11-2025
- I thought itv coverage was great,shame to see it goingrick6724-11-2025
- Put the balls back in and have another go!rick6724-11-2025
- Hate the idea. Darts is loud and exciting without this gimmick format. Golf needs it because it's otherwise boring. Sorry but same applies for royale rumble style knock out.BandB19-11-2025
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