"Need a fire extinguisher to put him out": Luke Littler 'eats pressure for breakfast' says Rob Cross ahead of World Grand Prix battle

Monday's World Grand Prix gets underway at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. Fourth-seeded Rob Cross will take on Luke Littler in the opening round.

Cross has nothing but praise for his 17-year-old compatriot. “The boy has been amazing for the game. He’s a really good lad and we’ve practiced a lot this year in the Premier League.

“I’m definitely not threatened by him at all, he’s raised the profile of the game so high for us all. That doesn’t stop me wanting to beat him. I think it’s the same for all the top boys, he just makes you want to raise your game. He’s definitely upped the standard.

“You just know that he can turn it up a notch at any stage during a game. Sometimes he almost lulls you into a false sense of security and then BAM, he hits you with a nine-darter or 170 finish. When he decides to turn up the heat you need a fire extinguisher to put him out!

Cross, who has never advanced beyond the last 16 at the World Grand Prix is therefore wary of the duel with Littler. “But seriously it’s a really tough draw for me. But I know I have the game to do what it takes. My own Grand Prix history isn’t great, but that will change.”

Cross has especially noticed in recent months how relaxed Littler always is. “Nothing worries Luke at all. He eats pressure for breakfast.  Somewhere deep down he will know that all eyes are on him but he deals with it so well.

“I think that’s what is so impressive about him. He’s a great darts player, yep, we all know that. But it’s the pressure that he copes with so amazingly and that’s what makes him so dangerous.

“He’s red-hot on stage but handles it so cool. He’s a great kid and will take some stopping for years to come. But my only job right now is to stop him on Monday. I know I can do that.

“I’ve got a great team around me these days. I’ve got a great manager in Rab Bain, I’m enjoying the game and that makes me play my best stuff. That’s been happening more consistently. Now I need to find an extra level against Luke. Bring it on.”