England on averting potential 'banana skin' against Philippines in World Cup of Darts: "Same as last year as well"

England are through to the second round at the World Cup of Darts after seeing off a potential 'banana skin' tie in the Philippines.

It was a 5-3 win for the team of Rob Cross and Michael Smith who just did enough to contend with Lourence Ilagan in particular and they spoke about their plan this year and how it has changed from their first time together.

"It was a tough draw. I only played well in two legs first and last but luckily enough when I missed a double Rob was there to step in but it's better now because we can try and gain a better rhythm but play better and we'll go a bit further," said Smith to Online Darts.

"Same as last year as well. Did Mardle say it again," he joked.

"You've got the best two players of every country so you always have a tricky draw. They were good tonight but luckily enough we did the right shots at the right time and was nice to crawl over the line."

"I found the Philippines just in their throwing a little bit slow. Obviously Michael goes first this time and it probably takes a little bit of rhythm away from me but at the same time I'm not really a rhythmic player in that way. The plan went really well in that way," Cross continued.

"A lot more relaxed this year from last year. I enjoyed the game, I didn't really enjoy Lourence obviously getting his warnings in the game. It was an enjoyment just to go up there and sometimes I don't have to wear my own banner, I can wear his too."