Vintage Voltage display sees Rob Cross into World Matchplay quarterfinals with 107 average

A vintage performance from 'Voltage' Rob Cross has seen the former World Matchplay champion through to the last eight at the 2024 edition, averaging 107 in an 11-6 win over Ryan Searle at the Winter Gardens.

Cross came racing out of the gates, winning the first two legs with an average of over 117 at the time. It was still early though, and after 'Voltage' missed three clear darts for a 3-0 lead, Searle punished. Reeling off the final two legs of the session, Searle actually headed off stage narrowly in front despite the barrage of brilliance from his opponent.

After the break, Cross' qualities began to see some rewards. Taking his maximum tally up to five already, the former World Matchplay champion took the four legs on the spin to move 6-3 ahead. In the final leg of the session, Searle stopped the rot and kept himself in contact, albeit at 6-4 behind.

With the quality remaining high, Cross averaging over 106 and Searle around 96, breaks of throw were becoming a very valuable commodity. The longer the pair exchanged holds however, the closer Cross was getting to the finish line and thanks to a 57 checkout pinned on double top, Voltage moved to two legs away. After Searle missed a dart at the bullseye to hold in leg 16, Cross punished on double 8 to move to the brink with a break of throw. With both players hitting four perfect darts in the next leg, Cross had the advantage of throw and taking out 48 for an 11 darter, he sealed the very impressive win.

The tournament will be broadcast in full live in UK on Sky Sports throughout. From Saturday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 18, the broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. In addition, there will be an afternoon session on Sunday, July 14, starting at 1 p.m.

After the second round, the start time of the evening sessions moves up one hour. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will thus be broadcast from 20:00. On Sunday afternoon, July 21, the third edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled from 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies compete for the title at the most important women's tournament at the PDC.