“I have got many more majors left in me” - Rob Cross sends World Matchplay warning despite Wessel Nijman defeat in Slovak Darts Open final

Rob Cross has warned he still believes there are more major titles ahead after reaching the Slovak Darts Open final in Bratislava.

The former world champion was beaten 8-3 by Wessel Nijman on Sunday night, with the Dutchman averaging 103.80 to claim the first ever Slovak Darts Open title and the second European Tour crown of his career.

Cross averaged 102.57 himself and missed just two darts at double, but Nijman repeatedly punished the small openings he was given. “Wessel played great there,” said Cross after the final.

Cross briefly moved ahead when he broke Nijman with a two-dart 74 finish to lead 2-1, only for the Dutchman to break straight back with a 68 checkout. Nijman then took out 116 to regain the advantage and pulled clear through the middle of the final before sealing the title with a double-double 74 finish.

The defeat denied Cross a second title in the space of a week, but his Slovak Darts Open run still added to a sharp spell of form before the World Matchplay.

He had reached the final with a 6-2 quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall and a 7-2 semi-final victory over Tom Sykes, ending the European Tour debutant’s remarkable weekend. Against Nijman, Cross remained strong statistically, but the Dutchman’s finishing and timing decided the final.

“I don’t enjoy the heat, but the crowd this weekend have been fantastic,” Cross said. “It wasn’t my weekend, but things are heading in the right direction. I wouldn’t say I’m at my peak at the minute, but I’m starting to get there. I won a title in the week, another final today, and this was good practice for the World Matchplay!”

Cross’ attention now moves towards Blackpool after a week that brought another title, another European Tour final and a 102 average in defeat.

The 2018 world champion has already won the World Matchplay once before, and his post-final message in Bratislava was built around the belief that his recent form is only the start of another push at the biggest events.

“It’s just the beginning again, and I’m sure I have got many more majors left in me,” he concluded.

Cross leaves Slovakia without the trophy, but with another deep run behind him and another clear sign that his level is moving closer to where he wants it before the World Matchplay.