“I’m going to say me” – Rob Cross provides a hilarious moment while assembling the perfect darter
PDCMonday, 17 August 2026 at 08:59
Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting were handed a striking brief: build the perfect dart player together. For each attribute, the two PDC professionals had to pick the player they felt possessed the top quality. It led to some interesting selections, plus plenty of friendly teasing between the two world-class stars.
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Phil Taylor for the checkouts
For checkouts, they landed on a name that will surprise no one: Phil Taylor. The 16-time world champion is widely regarded as one of the finest finishers the sport has ever seen.
Cross and Bunting pointed to the qualities of the now-retired Englishman when looking for the ideal closer of legs. While today’s circuit is packed with excellent finishers, Taylor remains a benchmark for capitalising on doubles.
Aspinall earns praise for resilience
In the resilience category, Nathan Aspinall quickly came to the fore. Both Cross and Bunting agreed the Englishman fits this trait perfectly. “Probably Nathan Aspinall,” was the first pick. They then explained why Aspinall stands out. "He's gone through some tough times, hasn't he? (With his throw and stuff like that, and he's bounced back."
The Englishman has indeed faced physical and sporting setbacks in recent years, yet repeatedly fought his way back. His current form also played a part. “He’s playing some good stuff at the minute."
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Cross added that he considers himself pretty resilient too. “I’m decent,” he joked, before Bunting still settled on Aspinall.
Cross picks himself for game management
One of the most intriguing elements was the choice for game intelligence. In the end, the pair didn’t need long to reach a decision, though there was a clear candidate: Stephen Bunting.
Bunting is known for reading matches well. He can adjust his tempo, knows when to take risks, and, with years of experience, has an excellent feel for match situations. “I think I’m quite intelligent when it comes to the game,” Bunting said. Cross agreed and handed him the category.
It made for a classic moment between the two seasoned pros, with a healthy dose of self-deprecation thrown in.
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Stephen Bunting is the current world number nine
Best walk-on?
Settling on the best walk-on, Cross picked one of two players. "It has to be you or Aspinall," he said. Bunting concurred. "I think me and Aspinall have got the two best songs."
Bunting, though, also earned a nod for his walk-on. Cross admitted that picking Bunting made plenty of sense. “Your track is pretty good as well.”
Bunting couldn’t resist a tongue-in-cheek reply. “I think so too, especially as I’m sitting here now.”
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Josh Rock gets the best celebration
The final category produced perhaps the most eye-catching pick: the celebration after winning a key leg or match. Bunting conceded he isn’t exactly known for exuberant celebrations. “I don’t really celebrate, to be honest. I don’t really get the chance. I’m never lucky enough,” he joked.
That led Cross and Bunting to Josh Rock. The Northern Irishman is known for expressive reactions and real passion when he lands a big result. “Come on, let’s go with Josh,” they said, then confirmed the joint decision: “Yeah, Josh.”
Strikingly, Cross then also backed himself. Asked who, in his view, has the best overall blend for the perfect player, he didn’t hesitate: “I’m going for myself. I’m going for myself.”
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The exercise delivered not only an insightful line-up of players, but also a neat mix of humour and self-belief. Littler for scoring, Taylor for legendary finishing, Aspinall for resilience, Bunting for game intelligence, and Rock for celebrations. And Cross? He clearly couldn’t rule himself out either.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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- I think you miss the point. It is just a poll if you are willing to pay for an ad-free site. The content stays free.SheGotLegs16-08-2026
- It's great to see Mark Webster looking well,he's a top ladrick6715-08-2026
- I'm sick of everything wanting paying for ad free stuff,every site you go on,it's pay pay for no ads. I mostly dread picking my phone up,as it's subscription required. I'm not surprised I'm bloody skint. Everyone wants to rob you for services that were freerick6714-08-2026
- I didn't like the bloke,but he was a real wind up merchant. His talent is wastedrick6712-08-2026
- He wouldn't get a tour card if there was a million on it
Amusementman09-08-2026 - This gormless, dull as dishwater nobody hasn't done anything this year and has absolutely no right to be considered for anything other than checking people's tickets on entry and it is likely he couldn't cope with that.richieburnettrocks09-08-2026
- How can PDC players play in streamed events?medinabello04-08-2026
- Great comment, some of the matches were a bit one sided but that was more to do with the quality on show.mikedarts03-08-2026
- I just think Aspinall loves the razzmatazz rather than real darts, goes on about his walk on and the premier league, loves exhibitions and proposed a 'royal rumble' and i'm not sure if it was him that suggested a Ryder Cup style tournament? I think they do need to look at how the ranking tournaments are treated, the UK Open, Euro Championships, Players' Championship all shoe-horned into four or so days rather than lasting all week and giving more players a chance to be on the big stage.Baphomet03-08-2026
- I play at home against myself, sometimes on Dartcounter, never played league or county. My best average on 501 was 107 which I hit last year. Today I was averaging 94 on a few games of 501, no warm up, just a quick chuck after dinner. I imagine it's a bit different up on stage. I play well at home though and do pretty good for only around 20 minutes play per day. 🙂PaulC02-08-2026
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