Rob Cross vows to become 'different animal' after slow start at World Darts Championship

Cross had reached the final of the Grand Slam of Darts last month but was not at his best against an opponent gripped by nerves.

Tricole missed 13 attempts at double during an error-strewn first set and, while he improved to go two legs up in the next set, Cross was able to fight back to show his class with an excellent 114 checkout to move 2-0 up.

It broke the resistance of French thrower and the eighth seed and 2018 winner Cross was able to breeze through the third set to ensure he will return after Christmas.

"I'm not very happy with my performance, but a win is a win," reflected Cross, one of six former champions left in the tournament.

"I was more nervous than I've ever been on this stage. I got so enthused with the crowd that I lost my focus, but I'm very grateful to be through.

"I'm looking forward to Christmas now, and hopefully I can be a different animal when I come back."

Cross famously won the 2018 World Darts Championship by beating Phil Taylor 7-2 in the final. Since then, the 33-year-old has failed to progress past the fourth-round at the event.

This year has been relatively positive for Voltage who made two major finals, most recently at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Cross last won a major tournament back in 2021 when beating Michael van Gerwen in the final of the European Championship.

Photo Credit: PDC