"Honestly, I think world number one matters — that’s the one that means something" - Rob Cross debunks 'rubbish' number two ranking

Rob Cross was the first player through to the second round of the World Grand Prix after defeating Wessel Nijman 2-1 in a tense match. A relieved Cross gave his thoughts on the victory when speaking to Dartsnews.com.

Voltage impressed early on, taking out an impressive 135 checkout on his way to the first leg. However, with his scoring power faltering, Nijman snuck in and levelled the tie. The pair were very clinical on their opening doubles, but it was the young Dutchman who found himself ahead in many legs. This helped him streak ahead in the third set, clinching a 2-1 lead. Cross levelled procedures with a highly pressured double seven to force a final set decider, and survived a match dart from Nijman, who wired the bull for a 127 checkout. Cross, who had missed a match dart on double 16 prior to this, made no mistake the second time round to progress.

Looking back at the match, Cross said: "I don’t know really. I got too engrossed and sort of lost myself in the middle bit there. I’m probably a little bit guilty of not scoring enough, and if I could change that, I’d feel happier with the way I was getting off. But overall, I’m just really glad to get over the line. I’m still buzzing now, honestly.

"You think to yourself, and I think if you’re more judgmental on yourself, you want to reach heights that sometimes just aren’t possible in this game. You have to cut yourself a bit more slack, and I’ve probably played four or five years never giving myself any. This game’s tough — everything. You look at weird shots, leave weird numbers because you’ve hit 76 off or something, and before you know it, you’re thinking, 'I can’t hit a 15 here, I feel rubbish.' But look, to win that — absolutely brilliant. Still, I do go back to those old demons in a way."

It has been a distinctively average season for Cross going by his high standards. The former World Champion has failed to progress to a major quarter-final yet, with this drop-off in form possibly becoming detrimental when glancing at the rankings as he is prepared to tumble far down at the end of the year. Despite this, he is still positive of a turnaround.

"I’ve still got time, and that’ll come around — I believe that," Cross said. "I’ve been here for years now and been very fortunate to last where I am. Back in 2021, I looked like I was out on my backside, then I went well in the Europeans to keep myself in it. I can play this game, and I’m not worried about what’s been before. We’ve got two and a half months left, and I know I have to shine — and if I don’t, I’ve got nothing to defend for the next two years. So happy days — and you watch, I’ll be a top-six player even if I don’t defend it. Nothing to worry about; I’m not bothered about rankings."

Currently the world number seven, Cross has been as high as world number two in the past, but he has remarked this achievement as 'rubbish'. "Honestly, I think world number one matters — that’s the one that means something," he said. "Number two? It’s rubbish! There’s always a better man in front of you. It’s still a great achievement — loads of players would love to be number two — but I’m not really like that. Unless I was number one and the best in the business for a year or two, or even a day, then it really matters. Number two? Nah. Shouldn’t really say that — but it’s true."

On whether he could rise to the top, Cross said: "I’m still alright. I keep paying all these people to sort my head out — there’s no one there to do it! But I’ll keep trying. I always try. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m my own kryptonite sometimes because I put too much on myself — like tonight. I get into funny positions in games where I wind myself up. You want it to be easy, but you can’t — you overpush, you overtry. Sometimes you just have to take a look at yourself and think, 'Just put it away, be normal.' Because when you’re normal, you hit most of your shots."

Nijman has been impeccable this year, continuing his improving form as he carries on rising up the darting ladder. He has been touted to be a star in the future, but that did not put Cross off a first round tie against him, comparing Nijman to him at his first appearance back in 2019, where he also went into it off the back of a Pro Tour title.

"My first year here in Ireland, I won a Pro Tour the day before, then played on the Monday — and still played like a Scooby!" Cross said. "Steve Beaton beat me up for the first two years. His experience was unreal — he absolutely smacked me all over. If it was a boxing match, I’d have had two black eyes and a broken chin! So it doesn’t matter. This is a different game. It’s Wessel’s first time playing it — it took me years to get my head around this format. You can’t just go out and grab what you want straight away. Sometimes you have to learn it. Then you get others like Luke Littler last year who go on to win it — it’s horses for courses. I’m just glad to be here, and hopefully I’ll improve on Wednesday."

When asked if he was a difficult player to face, Cross said: "Not really difficult, no. At the end of the day, darts is darts. We’ve all got different personalities. He’s fantastic — for what he’s achieved and what he’s been through, with everything off the board and the comeback, I tip my hat to him. That’s amazing. And look at the young ones now — Van Veen, Josh Rock, others — they’re all breaking big numbers and doing it regularly. If they start doing that on TV too, in five years we could see a total change of guard. I’m sure Wessel will be there, and I wish him all the best. He’s a great player."