Debutant De Sousa shares the spoils with Cross to begin Premier League Darts campaign

Jose de Sousa has began his Premier League Darts debut by sharing the spoils with Rob Cross in an entertaining clash as the opening night continues in Milton Keynes.

De Sousa went 6-4 up and looked to be in the drivers' seat for a win on debut but Cross sent it all the way and produced a superb 12-darter to share the points.

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Cross spoke pre tournament about how he was in a good place and he certainly showed that in the opening leg with a 12-dart hold finished with an 82 checkout on the bull.

But De Sousa brought his trademark finishing to his debut with two double 18's on a 72 checkout to make it 1-1.

A 66 checkout on double 18 saw Cross lead 2-1 and the holds of throw continued as De Sousa hit double 20 to make it 2-2.

But a break soon came for De Sousa who pinned double five to make it 3-2. Cross hit straight back though with his trademark double 18 to tie it up at 3-3.

From there, they shared the legs but De Sousa returned to break again at 5-4 up on double 11 after Cross spurned a shot at 108.

De Sousa hit a 180 to leave 67 on his own throw and despite missing two darts to claim a guaranteed point, he returned to hit double two as Cross could only muster pressure in the form of a 140 to leave double six.

Cross went one away from a potential draw though by holding his throw on double eight leaving all to The Special One on his throw.

A 180 left Cross on 88 on De Sousa's throw with the latter only able to leave 142 from a 60. This allowed Cross to end it with a flourish in the form of an 88 checkout on the bull to share the points.

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