Rob Cross overcomes 108 average Michael van Gerwen to march into Aberdeen semifinals

Rob Cross is into the semifinals of Night 14 of the 2024 Premier League Darts. The former World champion overcame Michael van Gerwen in a last leg decider despite an average of over 108 from his opponent.

The Englishman had already beaten Van Gerwen last week in Liverpool, so now gave 'Mighty Mike' another major blow in the battle for the top four. Van Gerwen currently holds the fourth spot in the standings, but competitor Michael Smith won his first match in Aberdeen, thereby narrowing the gap on Van Gerwen.

The seven-time Premier League champion cleverly made up for an early 0-2 deficit by throwing an 11-darter and a 13-darter. In the seventh leg, Van Gerwen had a chance to take the lead for the first time, but missed the bullseye for 4-3. Cross then threw a fine 116 finish to regain the lead.

Van Gerwen then took over the lead after all. A 13-darter made it 4-4, before he broke the Cross' throw with a 70 finish. Van Gerwen was then allowed to throw for the match, but then was unable to finish in five visits. Cross in turn did with a 15-darter. In the last leg, Van Gerwen still had a chance to win from 167, but just missed the bullseye. Cross then used his fifth matchdart to eliminate Van Gerwen.

Cross will play later tonight in the semifinals against Luke Humphries, who has not yet had to be in action tonight. 'Cool Hand Luke' got a bye to the last four as Gerwyn Price had to withdraw due to a back injury.