"I need to do better for them too, so I’ve let them down": Rob Cross defiant in making family proud and returning to his best

Rob Cross opened his 2026 PDC World Darts Championship campaign with victory – and with it, an honesty and self-reflection that underlined just how much the tournament still means to him.

While Cross admitted his performance was not at the level he ultimately expects of himself, the former world champion was quick to stress that results matter most at this stage of the competition. “Yeah, really, really nice,” Cross said after the match. “I actually think I probably expected to play better today. I’ve walked out with a 91. It is what it is, but it’s a winning 91.”

That win was underpinned by key moments, including a pressure 170 checkout late on, something Cross felt coming even before he stepped to the oche.

“I’ve had so many big finishes this week,” he explained. “Sort of the 170 at the end – it’s weird, that little nod of approval. I thought to myself, I’m hitting this. It’s nice just to get through, really, and get myself in the tournament.”

Cross arrived at Alexandra Palace following a difficult spell by his own high standards, but he made no secret of how much extra motivation the World Championship brings. “Yeah, 100%,” he said when asked if he had something to prove. “It is the pinnacle of the game where we’re at at the minute – the World Championships. I’m sure if everyone woke up tomorrow and had a choice to win a tournament, this would be it. It would be my tournament.

“It changed my life all them years ago. I’m very appreciative of the game, but at the same time, I think this ain’t been there at the minute. But I need to get it out.”

Returning to Ally Pally inevitably stirs memories for Cross, whose rise to the sport’s summit began on this very stage. “I’ve got absolute loads of memories,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed this place. Even a couple of years ago, 4–0 down and winning 5–4. I’ve made some very happy memories, and I’d like to make some more. That’s the ambition.”

Despite talk in previews suggesting Cross was one of the seeded players under threat, he insisted external noise has little impact on his mindset. “To most people it does, and maybe they’re normal,” he said with a smile. “But for me, I have to have my head where I want my head, and it’s not been there for a long time.

“I’ve been very critical of myself, and I like to be honest in interviews. If I’m doing something wrong or I’m not putting enough in, that’s my fault.”

A short break from the Players Championships, combined with exhibition work, helped him rebuild confidence. “I’ve managed to build a bit of confidence off the exhibitions – MODUS and stuff, what they’ve put on – so I’m very grateful,” Cross said. “But overall, it’s that performance. It’s always about being better. If I’d had this mentality maybe six or seven months ago, I wouldn’t have had a bad year. But it happens. It’s life. No one cares from the outside, so you have to care yourself.”

Missing major events earlier in the year was not the sole catalyst for his renewed focus, Cross explained. “What’s probably got me up for this one is because it’s the World Championships,” he said. “I know the importance of it every year, whether I win first round or lose first round. I always try and do my best in this.”

That self-reflection extended to his life away from darts. “I love this game and I’d love to be around in 15 years,” Cross said. “But I need to work harder. I’ve got four beautiful kids at home and a lovely wife. I’m fortunate in life, but I need to do better for them too. So I’ve let them down.”

The emotion at the end of the match was noticeable, but Cross rejected the idea it was relief. “That ain’t relief,” he said. “I knew I was going to hit it. I’ve been hitting big finishes all week. I’ve had great averages, great legs.

“I’m going to lap it up. I’m going to enjoy it. Hopefully, I’m going to do great things in this tournament, and I believe it’s there at the minute.”

Although Cross has slipped outside the top 20 in the world rankings, he remains unconcerned. “Did you say 21?” he joked. “It’s my birthday, so it’s not too bad. I’ve never really worried about rankings. What matters is number one – that means you’re the best. “For the next two years, I’ve got nothing to defend. That gives me a chance to get back up there, back into the top ten. As long as I’m mentally stable and trying with an edge, I’m sure I’ll get back there again.”

He also reaffirmed his belief that a world number one ranking remains achievable. “Yeah, I believe it,” Cross said. “The young man at the minute looks incredible – he’s making me look old! But it’s 100% possible. Everyone gets their days. If you work hard enough, you never know when it might come.”

Asked about the prospect of facing the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, Cross was defiant. “I’m never, never, ever scared,” he said. “If I get back to form – which I think I am – I played Phil Taylor, the GOAT, and beat him in a World Championship final with a massive average. The day you need to start worrying about me, I won’t worry about it. I’m ready to go.”

Reflecting on his career, Cross acknowledged how much he has learned since his breakthrough. “I was very naive back then,” he said of his early days on tour. “Winning the Worlds changed my life overnight. You live and learn. Mentally, I’m in a very good place now.”

He admitted he has had to confront being his own harshest critic. “Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy,” Cross said. “I need to take responsibility for that. Without that, there is no darts career. I’ve changed things, I feel happier, and hopefully that carries on.”

Against Cor Dekker, Cross felt his clinical finishing proved decisive. “My doubles were pretty immaculate,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just about getting over the line, and that’s all that matters.”

Looking ahead to his clash with Ian White, Cross knows the challenge will step up again. “He’s a great player, very experienced,” he said. “I’ll need more next time, for sure.”

Ultimately, Cross believes a deep run at the World Championship demands total commitment. “I’ve got to be all in,” he said. “The sacrifices have to be made. If you don’t put the effort in, it’s no wonder you finish second best.”

Even after a year he described as difficult, Cross pointed to success as evidence of what remains possible. “We say I’ve had a terrible year, but I still won two titles,” he reflected. “If I’m winning when I’m that bad, that’s still an achievement. If I put my head to this game, I believe I can do anything.”