Rob Cross has finally found success at the World Grand Prix, securing a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time in his career after a solid 3-1 victory against Germany’s Martin Schindler. The former world champion, who has struggled at this event in previous years, delivered a strong performance to advance to the next round.
In the opening set, Cross faced little resistance from Schindler. The Englishman won all three legs, throwing in 16, 16, and 14 darts. Schindler only had one chance at a finish, averaging just 82.53 in the first set, while Cross dominated from the start.
Schindler bounced back in the second set, taking the first leg in 15 darts and then capitalizing on a missed 122 finish by Cross to go 2-0 ahead. Cross also struggled to hit his starting doubles in the third leg, which allowed Schindler to claim the set 3-0 and level the match.
The third set saw Schindler continue his good form, quickly winning the first two legs as Cross missed several doubles. But Cross found his rhythm, winning the next two legs to level the set, and then secured the deciding leg with a double 8 to take a 2-1 lead.
Schindler seemed frustrated after that setback, while Cross remained focused. The fourth set started with Cross hitting a 105 finish to take control. Both players struggled with doubles in the second leg, but Cross managed to hit his first and move one leg away from victory. Although Schindler won a leg with a 72-finish, he faltered again by missing several starts, allowing Cross to seal the match with a double 8.
With this win, Rob Cross has reached the World Grand Prix quarter-finals for the first time and will face Ryan Joyce in the next round.
