At the eighth attempt,
Rob Cross has finally sealed a
European Tour title defeating Luke Humphries 8-6 at the
European Darts Grand Prix.
Cross has been European Champion twice but up to now had a European Tour hoodoo never quite getting over the line but this one also has added importance.
As a result, 'Voltage' will represent England once again at the World Cup of Darts in two weeks as Humphries would've done if he won on Sunday evening.
For the latter, it is further disappointment with a fourth final defeat of the season on the European Tour as he looked frustrated post match.
Humphries kicked off 180-140 in a superb start before sealing an opening hold at 1-0.
He missed 113 for a break after Cross missed two at 80 for a hold and ‘Voltage’ got off the mark on double 10.
Humphries held again to make it 2-1 on double four. Cross again levelled up at 2-2 and broke throw on his beloved double 18 for 3-2.
Humphries broke back immediately though with an 86 checkout to make it 3-3. But again he couldn’t easily hold albeit Cross missed 78 and he returned to hit double 20 to make it 4-3.
Cross held on double 12 to make it 4-4. Humphries again handed Cross a break chance and he took it with a 100 checkout to make it 5-4 and he was throwing to go two clear.
Humphries missed three darts to break again and Cross sealed the two leg gap at 6-4. An 81 checkout saw Humphries hold as he searched for a break at 6-5 down.
But Cross hit double three to go one away at 7-5. Humphries held at 7-6 with Cross throwing for the win from there.
Humphries missed 167 on the bull for a decider with Cross sat on 72 for the win. ‘Voltage’ finally sealed it on double 18.