“My record in this tournament isn’t great" - Rob Cross sees confidence boosted by stunning victory over Luke Littler

Rob Cross is into the second round at the 2024 World Grand Prix in Leicester. Although the former world champion hasn't had the best relationship with the double-in double-out format over the years, Cross taught Luke Littler a lesson on Monday evening to knock out the pre-tournament favourite 2-1.

The first set could have gone either way, but after Littler missed a set dart, 'Voltage' went away with the set win by hitting double 18. Littler then levelled the contest again in set two, but in a third and deciding set, it was the experience of Cross that prevailed, deciding the match with an eye catching 88 checkout finished on the bullseye.

“My record in this tournament isn’t great, so I’m delighted to get over that winning line,” reflected Cross, who had only ever previously won two matches on the World Grand Prix stage in seven prior visits before defeating Littler on Monday night. “I struggled in the first set, but then I started to find my rhythm and I felt very solid on my own throw, which gives me confidence for the next few days.”

Neither those prior disappointments, nor the fact that he was up against the pre-tournament favourite daunted Cross ahead of the game though. "No not at all. I haven't even picked up a dart since the Pro Tour last week," he says, explaining a relaxed outlook. "It still feels a little bit alien I'm not going to lie, because it always does. But when the pressure was on, I was able to hit a few nice trebles and doubles, especially double 18 before I started pulling."

In the next round, German number one Martin Schindler awaits for Cross. "Either I find it or I don't and it's one of them things. This year I'm not worried and I'm not defending anything," he concludes.