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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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?
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
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.