"Nobody has had to handle what I’ve had to handle when they’ve come through": Cross looks back at whirlwind rise ahead of Ally Pally return

Rob Cross will face good friend and practice partner, Scott Williams this afternoon at the PDC World Darts Championship as he hopes to recapture his magic from 2018 when he sealed the title on debut.

Cross admits Ally Pally will always have a special place in his heart but that he truly believes another World title could happen this year.

“Alexandra Palace is where dreams are made. It was an amazing moment to lift the trophy in 2018,” said Cross.

“It will always be special to me. I think every single player prepares themselves a little bit differently for this tournament because they know how much it matters.

“Even if you’re number 70 in the world, winning a couple of games could be life-changing to these players with the amount of money on offer.

“I will make sure I’m ready going into the World Championship this year, and if I settle, I definitely believe I can win it again.”

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It was a rise to darting fame that was unprecedented and having time to now take stock, 'Voltage' believes that it was a slight hinderence.

“I’m not that kind of character, so it was hard,” admitted the world number six.

“I try to keep myself as grounded as I can. If you put me in the spotlight and put me on a pedestal, I don’t think it quite works for me.

“I think when most people win the World Championship, it takes them a few years to build up to that, and where I did it so quickly, I had no foundations. I was thrown in at the deep end.”

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But that he also believes he doesn't get the recognition he deserves for winning the World Matchplay and multiple European Championship titles since then.

“I’m proud of what I have achieved. I’m probably a bit like James [Wade] because I can win titles without being at my best,” he added.

“I think I don’t get the recognition because people look at me and think I’ve been here for 15 years!

“I think this is my sixth year, and nobody has had to handle what I’ve had to handle when they’ve come through.

“I didn’t really enjoy the darts for 18 months throughout the Covid period, but this year I’ve enjoyed it more than ever, and I still believe I’ve got another world title in me.”

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