Former World Matchplay champion Cross through first hurdle after surviving Smith comeback

Rob Cross is the latest player through to the second round at the 2021 World Matchplay after surviving a comeback from Ross Smith to win 10-8.

Smith who won his first Players Championship title recently came from 7-3 down to look to force a tiebreak in the latter half of the tie but Cross produced where it mattered with the 2019 champion through with a 100.2 average to face Callan Rydz.

Smith took an early lead doubling it early doors against Cross with an 81 checkout but at the interval, it was at the bad time for the former as Cross cleaned up 87 for an 11-darter and parity.

Before hitting four legs on the spin to open up a 5-3 lead before heading into the interval with no reply as he surged into a 7-3 lead.

It was Smith’s turn seemingly though to grab the match by the scruff of the neck as he hit an 11-darter of his own on return for a 7-4 deficit followed by double 18 after Cross missed a dart at a double for 8-4 and it was suddenly 7-5 with Smith throwing for 7-6 which he claimed.

But were the legs running out as Cross headed into an 8-6 lead holding his throw next time around. But he squandered seven darts at double and again Smith went to within one at 8-7.

Cross though was soon within one with a 177 and double 12 to make it 9-7. Smith stayed alive with a hold but would it be victory for ‘Voltage’ or a tiebreak?

Cross kicked off 140 with Smith unable to muster a treble. A masterful lead from Cross from 164 left 46 which he pinned on double 16.