"Never been my most happy hunting ground" - Cross looking to improve upon dismal World Grand Prix record

Rob Cross gets his 2023 World Grand Prix campaign underway on Monday night against UK Open champion Andrew Gilding. Despite being regarded as one of the best finishers in the game, the unique double start format of the Grand Prix hasn't suited 'Voltage'.

Having only managed to win just two games in his six previous appearances at the World Grand Prix, against Mensur Suljovic (2-1) in 2019 and Peter Wright (2-0) in 2021, Cross is looking to put things right this time around. "It's not my most favourite one," he admits in conversation with Online Darts. "Never been my most happy hunting ground, but at the same time I'd like to do well this year."

Seeded eight for the tournament, Cross has had a return to form in 2023, reaching the final of the Masters at the start of the year, the quarter-finals of the UK Open, becoming a Euro Tour winner for the first time and claiming back-to-back successes Down Under in the World Series of Darts.

Could a return to the Premier League lineup be on the cards? "I would take it yeah, I've had enough time at home and the boy goes to school now so life's a little bit different," says Cross on the matter after saying in previous years he would turn down the invitation if offered. 

"I suppose the only thing that's changed is I want to play now. I want to play more, I will say that. I want to play in everything you know, and if I can get in everything then it's all good for the future."