"Sometimes it’s like living on a knife edge": Boom or bust for Rob Cross in European Championship pursuit

Rob Cross opened his World Series of Darts Finals campaign in Amsterdam with a 6-3 victory over Haupai Puha, and while he admitted there were moments of frustration in his own performance, the former World Champion was delighted to get through on the opening night.

Cross admits he is struggling with conflicting form when sometimes he looks incredible and others he struggles but that the win to open his account at the World Series of Darts Finals is the most important thing.

“I thought Haupai played well in places, especially early on,” Cross reflected to Online Darts. “Early, he was very good. For me, it was a little bit weird, just trying to find my feet and other stuff. When I find it, I’m brilliant, and then other times I think to myself I need to go back to school. But apart from that, I’m really happy to get the win and move on to tomorrow night.”

Cross has often spoken about the importance of consistency, and when asked whether his recent dips were down to lack of match sharpness or something deeper, he was blunt in his self-assessment.

“I think it’s definitely a lack of concentration,” he admitted. “Sometimes I stand back and think, ‘That’s just got to go in.’ I’m too complacent at times. But look, it is what it is. I think tomorrow I’ll be pushed. Michael’s back playing well again, which is nice to see. I’ll have to turn up—and I think I will turn up. I think I’ll play OK. So it’ll be good, something to look forward to.”

Cross is also embroiled in the race to qualify for the European Championship, a tournament he has won twice before but is not yet assured of playing in. “My life doesn’t come without drama—it’s drama-filled,” he laughed. “That doesn’t surprise me either. Sometimes it’s like living on a knife edge; just don’t slip the wrong way. But I enjoy it like that. I know what I’ve got to do in the Europeans. I want to win this week, and if I do that, I get in.”

As for his calendar for the remainder of 2025, Cross made clear there will be no more extended breaks. “I’m finished with time off,” he said. “As my manager said to me a couple of months ago, ‘You’ve played so little this year I thought you were retired!’ So yeah, back to the board, back practising, back working hard—and hopefully have a good end to the year.”

The win over Puha was Cross’ fourth in World Series competition against the New Zealander, and he was quick to pay tribute to his opponent’s progress.

“Credit to Haupai—he’s really improved,” Cross said. “I think I played him at a Pro Tour maybe, and he was just unbelievable. He smashed me all over the place. So credit to the man, I know what he can do. It’s just whether he can produce it on the big stage. But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time.”

Cross also drew comparisons to Wessel Nijman, who had earlier faced Michael van Gerwen. “We watched Wessel tonight—maybe had the game there to do it. He was great in places, but that last leg, maybe a bit of experience is what he’s lacking. I can’t speak too much because he probably played better than me tonight! But Haupai’s in the same boat—he’s improving and he’ll keep improving. He’ll get there, with the dedication he has. The man can play.”

Earlier this year, Cross lifted the Dutch Darts Masters, his first World Series title in the Netherlands. That success still gives him confidence heading into this weekend.

“I think it’s massive confidence,” he explained. “Usually, I don’t play very well in Holland, so to win that was very special to me. I’m probably going to aggravate Dave now when I say this—but I’m still waiting for my trophy from that nine months ago! But look, it is what it is. I enjoy playing here. Sometimes I’ve been guilty of not turning up and not playing my best. But the fans are very lively here—great fans, great crowd—and I enjoy that. So yeah, I still have a lot of confidence from January.”

Next up for Cross is a mouth-watering showdown with Michael van Gerwen in front of a passionate Dutch crowd.

“I’ll prep myself a little differently tomorrow, but I’ll be ready,” Cross promised. “Ready and raring to go—just the same as he will. He looks like he’s back at the minute, so yeah, I look forward to the game.”