De Sousa on reason behind emotion after Cross win: "It's been a difficult year for me, I start well then I just disappear"

Jose de Sousa was emotional after seeing off Rob Cross in a real World Matchplay thriller and he revealed that the reason for the emotion was returning to his best after a difficult year.

"Everybody know, everybody see. I make a great performance against Rob Cross. I feel great, I did not expect that game that early. I start to play well again, my hard work start to pay off. Everyone can see that on the stage," said De Sousa post match.

"It's been a difficult year for me. I start well at the beginning of the year then I just disappear. Maybe I don't feel strong enough in my arms, I work with my arms right now. I need to be more stronger. I feel every time I have to play I feel better and better. My game just come back to me and I feel great."

In terms of winning the title though, he wouldn't be drawn on that at this point.

"I can't say that it's too early, if I play that way maybe it's possible, we have a chance."