"Seven years ago, Michael was winning most events and now he's not" - Rob Cross unsurprised to see Van Gerwen dumped out of Grand Slam of Darts

In the performance of the night on Thursday, Rob Cross averaged 104 in seeing off Nathan Aspinall 10-8 to book his spot in the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts.

“Huge credit to Nathan. He was so resilient, but I was the better player tonight and I got it done,” said Cross on stage to Sky Sports post-match. “I feel great. I have had my ups and downs like every professional, but now I’m ready to compete and perform, and I want it more than ever. I want to win everything. If I get myself right mentally, I believe I can do great things, but I will take one game at a time, because Damon Heta is a great player."

Speaking in his post-match press conference to Online Darts, the growing confidence within Cross was clear for all to see. "I'm a little bit more arrogant I suppose. I focus more on the game, but you need that, it's a selfish game, don't let anyone tell you it isn't. I just want what's best for me and that's pretty much it. You know, it doesn't really get any more complicated than that."

Cross's hopes of adding the Grand Slam of Darts to his impressive trophy haul were given a boost as the only man to defeat 'Voltage' at this year's event, Michael van Gerwen, was sent packing by Damon Heta, who Cross will now face in the quarter-finals.

"When he crashes out, there's not much of a shock compared to what it was when I started. Seven years ago, Michael was winning most events and now he's not," Cross reacts. "I'm not saying he's winning nothing and not putting him down, but at the same time he doesn't win as much. If you don't want it go home."