Cross on darts' response to Coronavirus pandemic: "I’m so proud of darts for the events being done by people to raise money"
PDC
Rob Cross since his UK Open heroics and going onto win the PDC World Championship hasn't stopped but he will have to at least for now with the Coronavirus pandemic halting all sport likely until at least mid Summer.
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For Cross as well, it takes a different complexion with wife Georgia pregnant so as a result is following the government guidelines strictly as she is vulnerable.
“Obviously it’s such a worrying time for everyone. We need to be very careful because Georgia is classed as vulnerable because she’s pregnant. It’s a time when everyone has to look out for their family and older members of the family; we are no different from anyone. That has been our priority," said Cross to Colossus Bets.
“At this moment nothing is more important than staying safe and healthy. The NHS and carers are doing such an amazing job. Right now the world realises which people are the most important with your family and who does the most important jobs, and that’s our healthcare workers.”
“It’s only right that so much is being done to show our appreciation. It’s emotional to see the Thursday night Clap For Carers.”
Cross also spoke on players getting involved in different charity fundraisers to do with darts including Michael Smith who raised a fair bit of money for the NHS; as well as hitting a nine-darter in the process.
“I have to say I’m also so proud of darts for the events being done by people to raise money. My partner for England in the World Cup, Michael Smith; has been doing stuff on social media for money to donate to the NHS.”
“Target Darts and Paddy Power are setting up a special Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld match on social media for charity. Target have been working really hard to keep darts going in new ways; with their Nexus online set-up.”
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“It’s also brilliant that the PDC and PDPA are making sure the players are looked after. I feel very lucky to be in an OK position financially. But some of the players outside the top 32 might be really struggling. The announcement made by the PDPA and PDC to support any player that needs it was a great gesture.”
“Darts has got some of the best people in sport at the very top in Barry Hearn and Matt Porter; they do an incredible job and they’ve stood up to be counted when it’s been needed. But it just goes to show in times like this who else shows their true colours; it’s great to see the likes of Michael Smith do so much.”
“Worryingly he hit a nine-darter on live stream and six successive bullseyes; so clearly he’s on form so I’m kind of glad I’m not playing him in the Premier League this week!”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026
- She's technically not a professional though as she doesn't hold a pro tour card.mr-pablo04-11-2026
- Such a shame that lakeside has been reduced to this. Fantastic venue,and previously a great tournament. Not any morerick6703-11-2026
- Seems to me that the top 16 players pick and choose whatever they want to play. Good,all the money will get spread out more. They get more money from exhibitions than tournaments so let them all withdrawrick6703-11-2026
- Play all legs and the winners split the pot. Luke gets the lot of he wins them all. If your occupation is darts player you can't enter, regardless of ability.BandB01-11-2026
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