Rob Cross defies nine-dart Luke Humphries to take title at Baltic Sea Darts Open

Rob Cross has walked away with the title at the Baltic Sea Darts Open. 'Voltage' saw his opponent Luke Humphries throw a nine-darter, but the final victory went 8-6 to Cross.

Humphries had earlier in the evening defeated Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. Cross had dealt with Maik Kuivenhoven (6-2), Stephen Bunting (6-5), Ritchie Edhouse (6-5) and Madars Razma (7-4) on his way to the final.

In the final, Cross raced into a 3-2 lead, but that was followed by a strong acceleration from Humphries. The reigning world champion equalized with a 68 finish and then took over the lead with an 11-darter and a 9-darter. Cross seemed unimpressed, however, and broke 'Cool Hand Luke' back with an 11-darter. He then threw a 15-darter to level the score again.

A 15-darter then brought Humphries back into the lead, but he missed a chance to double his lead to 7-5 via double 15. Instead, it became 6-6 after Cross hit the double 8. Then 'Voltage' was unleashed with two consecutive 12-darters, allowing Cross to lift the cup in Kiel.