"I never wanted to talk about my life, it was more put a wall up and carry on": Rob Cross urges openness on mental health after starting counselling

Rob Cross has revealed he is undergoing counselling as he looks to rebuild both on and off the oche, after opening his Winmau World Masters campaign with a 3–1 victory over Ryan Searle in Milton Keynes.

The former world champion spoke candidly following the win at the Winmau World Masters, admitting he is in the early stages of a personal transition and using the extra time afforded by his absence from the Premier League and World Series to work on himself.

“I’ve changed a lot of stuff,” Cross said post match. “I think I’m in a transition at the minute to get myself where I want to be. I’m in counselling and other stuff — I’ll admit that. That’s something I’ve never done. I’ve always probably been scared of that at times. I never wanted to talk about my life. It was more put a wall up, put a front up and carry on.”

Cross explained that the decision was not darts-related, but something he feels he has needed for many years, and believes improving his life away from the board will allow his game to follow.

“I’m about two or three weeks in at the minute and I’ll carry on with it,” he added. “I feel like it’s doing something, but it’s got to start somewhere. It’s probably nowhere near where I want it yet, but why not? I’ve got time.

“No Premier League, no World Series really. That just gives me time to try and sort myself and work on myself.”

On the stage, Cross began his World Masters campaign positively, seeing off Searle 3–1, although he admitted the performance did not fully match his expectations. “I thought I was going to play better tonight,” he said. “It opened up really well for me. I thought, ‘Here we go,’ and then I struggled to find my rhythm.”

Despite that, the victory was an important step for Cross, who stressed that enjoying life again is as important as practice when it comes to rediscovering his best form.

“I think when I like myself and I enjoy life and the things around me, I can do great things at darts,” he said. “It’s not just about practising. It’s about enjoying life, and sometimes I’ve been guilty of not doing that.”

Reflecting on his career, Cross admitted the issues he is addressing now have been present for a long time. “I’m not being rude, I probably needed this for 20 years,” he said. “It’s not darts-related. I’ve had this for a long, long time. Maybe I should have done it years ago and I would have been a better world champion, but it remains to be seen.”

The extra time away from darts’ most demanding schedules has given Cross space to focus inward, something he believes is vital if he is to move forward again. “The ability’s there, everything’s there with the game,” he explained. “But unless I get it right upstairs, there’s no forward motion. I think that’s important.”

Cross also spoke about the wider conversation around mental health, particularly among men, and urged others to seek help if they are struggling.

“Old-fashioned people never spoke about anything,” he said. “Times have changed now. If you’re feeling that way, the most important thing is that you’re OK. If it means going to talk to people, even if you don’t feel comfortable, I’d highly recommend it.

“It’s took me years to get to this point. Now I’ve got time, I’m going to use it. And if it doesn’t work, at least I’ve tried everything.”

The response to his openness at the World Championship earlier this year has also left a mark on Cross, who admitted he had spent much of his career shielding himself from vulnerability.

“I’ve lived a sheltered life in eight years of playing darts,” he said. “I felt like I had a duty as world champion to front everything, instead of looking after myself. Now I look at myself and it feels like a road to redemption, really.”

Looking ahead, Cross insists his goals for the year are firmly focused on himself rather than results alone.

“My personal goals are all on me at the minute,” he said. “I like a routine, and I haven’t had one for a long time. I’m working hard on getting that back while doing this other thing as well. Hopefully I can find a bit of common ground.”

Cross now faces a second-round clash with Josh Rock, and while he is aware of the challenge ahead, he is determined to stay focused on how he feels rather than outside noise. “I try not to listen to pundits,” he said. “If I feel alright, I can beat anyone in the tournament. If I don’t, then it’s back to square one. It’s about enjoying life and worrying about myself instead of everything else.”

For Cross, the World Masters is about more than just progress in the draw. It represents a step forward in a longer journey, one he is finally ready to take.

“I’m enjoying it at the minute,” he added. “And I hope it works.”