"I think I'm just getting better": Rob Cross wants to 'rule the roost' in ominous World Matchplay signs

Rob Cross will face Michael Smith after a delightful display as he thumped in a near 107 again to seal victory over Ryan Searle 11-6.

Cross crashed in a brace of ten-darters within the opening six legs and opened up a cushion that he would never relinquish of two legs before completing it with a 10-dart hold. His control was also ultra impressive as he admitted as he held in the wild celebrations.

"I think what impressed me myself tonight, I wanted to jump out my skin with some shots and give it the biggun but no need. I was in control and I felt instead of being explosive with the celebrations, I felt better holding it in and being in control," said Cross.

"I think Ryan still played brilliant there. I'm going to go back to my first game and I should be out. I got away with it. I put a 12 in when I needed it. I'm just enjoying the game at the minute. It's not complicated. Enjoying life and doing what I want to do. If I carry on, we never know where we're going to end up."

But while he is playing superb, he admitted that there will be a point he will likely change parts of his game out of habit.

"I'm sure there's going to be one point, two maybe in the six months where I feel I need to change that up. It'll probably be World Championship as you've got two weeks off and you're going to think to yourself I'm going to put a bit of time in. I'm really grateful to still be in and play the game as well as what I have."

But that he believes now that he can reach the top again and is the first year he has allayed ranking pressure.

"It's probably the first year I've not got one on my ranking. Whether that's Europeans or the World's or the Matchplay. It's weird but the rankings never looked so good either. I think I just turned into a more of a complete player. I've been getting better over two years. If we look at the last nine months, I think I'm just getting better. If that continues, hopefully we can rule the roost."