With the announcement that darts will return next month including the World Matchplay, Rob Cross will make his defence of his second biggest major win at the Winter Gardens - or behind closed doors.

Cross spoke recently and said that he's looking forward to getting his mind set on darts again; as well as that despite the potential lack of crowd being an issue; he only has one goal in mind and that is keeping hold of the Phil Taylor trophy.

"It's been a long time and at least now we've got something set in stone so I've got something to work to now," Cross told The Darts Show in their most recent episode

"When there's no darts on and you're trying to maintain your practice, at the same time you're not practising for anything. At least now it will settle us all, it's settled me definitely.

"It has been very tough but at least now I can get my head down - I've got a fair few weeks to sort myself out and get myself ready.

"Just going back to playing darts and playing the best players in the world again is enough for me, because then you've got something to prove to the world and prove to yourself again.

"I'm only going out to win"

"It's motivation and at least we are going back, it might be under different circumstances but I think the biggest thing for me is that I'll get back doing my job and do what I enjoy.

"I'd like to have something in the background, I suppose, but at the same time I think the biggest thing is that I got back in there as defending champion and I want to win it again," he added.

"So whatever the circumstances, I'm only going out to win. It will be a little bit alien at first.

"If it is quiet I'll get over it - I might have a nervous first leg but at the same time it's something that you've got to get on with and be ready for either way.