"Truthfully that boy has got the game of the gods": Rob Cross full of praise for Josh Rock as comparisons continue

Rob Cross eased past Mervyn King in a 4-1 sets win and will face Chris Dobey for a spot in the Quarter-Finals at the PDC World Darts Championship as he aims to win the showpiece title for a second time in his career.

Cross speaking afterwards admits he likes being under the radar and has the belief that he can return to the foray with a second World title with aspirations if he does that this time.

"Don't get me wrong, I like being under the radar. If I was a car and I had a smash, I'd be a write off by now six years in but I'm going to keep grafting and I'm going to keep working. I will get myself better at one point and win this again. It's the only thing in my head, whether it's this year or next year. I'll come back stronger, I'd like more of a consistent year next time around," said Cross post match.

Next up is Dobey and he was full of praise for his opponent and the way he plays the game. "Chris is a great boy, he plays darts the way I like to play darts. He's a respectful young lad, he's going to be a tough opponent every day of the week."

Another player he is full of admiration for is a certain Josh Rock who has been compared to him in his debut year and he spoke about what it takes to emulate his debut brilliance.

"Truthfully that boy has got the game of the gods. He can emulate it, it just depends. I won the World title, I averaged 103 or 104 to win a World title. That's the standard and I still could have lost. I was playing the darts of my life at the time, he will have to do the same. There will be some tough moments but ability wise you can't doubt that boy."

As well as about the Premier League with Cross admitting he isn't fussed about a return to the eight and will not think about it until it comes around.

"I'm not focused on that at the minute. I just focus on myself and see where you are. I could play great or bad, you don't know what's going to happen. I played without it and World Series and I will say this I've enjoyed life. If that creeps back in, I'll have to do something about it nearer the time."