‘He can become a Ronnie O’Sullivan’ – Rob Cross urges Luke Littler NOT to change and maintain on-stage persona
Rob Cross, the 2018 PDC World Darts Champion, has urged 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler to maintain his bold, charismatic on-stage persona, likening him to snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan. Speaking to The Irish Sun on May 26, 2025, Cross defended Littler’s crowd-taunting antics, saying, “I reckon he can become an Eric Bristow or Ronnie O’Sullivan character of the sport. He doesn’t take any nonsense and loves the banter. Just let him be himself.” This comes as Littler prepares for the Premier League Darts finals on May 29 at London’s O2 Arena, where he faces Gerwyn Price in the semifinals, and as the French Open 2025 highlights themes of resilience and individuality.
Cross’s Endorsement and Littler’s Antics
Cross’s comments follow Littler’s controversial actions during the 2024-25 Premier League season, including “yawn” and “crybaby” gestures to Leeds fans and a provocative Instagram post taunting Sheffield United supporters after their May 22 playoff loss, per Express.co.uk. Despite backlash, Cross argued Littler’s swagger enhances darts’ appeal, stating, “We need that sort of stuff in sport, it gets people wound-up and makes for better atmospheres.” He praised Littler’s stage presence, noting, “He’s quiet in the practice room. But put him on that stage and he comes alive,” echoing O’Sullivan’s ability to thrive under pressure. Posts on X, like @Oche180, amplified Cross’s view: “Rob Cross believes Littler should never stop being a wind-up merchant.”
O’Sullivan’s Influence and Littler’s Rise
O’Sullivan, a seven-time snooker world champion, is known for his charismatic, sometimes polarizing persona, drawing parallels to Littler’s crowd interactions. Cross’s comparison highlights Littler’s potential to become a transformative figure in darts, much like O’Sullivan in snooker or Eric Bristow in darts’ earlier era. Littler’s 2025 season has been stellar, with 11 PDC titles, including the World Championship, Premier League, and UK Open, and a record 104.35 average at the UK Open, per @OfficialPDC. His £1.5 million in 2024 earnings, boosted by a £500,000 world title, positions him to surpass £10 million, as predicted by Dennis Priestley, per The Mirror.
However, Littler’s antics, like his Sheffield United taunt, have drawn criticism, echoing a 2023 incident where he apologized for posing with The Sun due to Merseyside’s boycott. Cross’s defense aligns with O’Sullivan’s 2024 advice to Littler—find a mentor like Sir Alex Ferguson to navigate fame—per The US Sun, emphasizing resilience amid scrutiny.
French Open Connections
Littler’s bold persona resonates with the 2025 French Open’s themes of individuality and perseverance, seen in Mirra Andreeva’s comeback against Cristina Bucsa, Paula Badosa’s emotional win over Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu’s £98,000 payday despite health struggles. Like Jannik Sinner’s milestone and Jack Grealish’s transfer saga under Pep Guardiola, Littler faces pressure to balance talent with public perception. Badosa’s embrace with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andy Murray’s playful jab at Rafael Nadal reflect the lighter, human moments in high-stakes competition, akin to Littler’s crowd banter.
Littler’s Premier League Outlook
As the Premier League leader with six weekly wins, Littler is favored against Price, with a potential final against Luke Humphries or Nathan Aspinall. Cross, who finished seventh, warned the playoffs are unpredictable, saying, “All four players will fancy their chances,” per The Irish Sun. Littler’s nine-darter in Cardiff and £30,000 golden darts prize, which he jokingly called “boring,” highlight his flair, though he shares Cross’s frustration over inconsistent wins, per Express.co.uk.
Conclusion
Rob Cross’s call for Luke Littler to channel Ronnie O’Sullivan’s charisma underscores the teenager’s potential to redefine darts. His provocative antics, defended as vital to the sport’s energy, align with the French Open’s narrative of bold individuality, from Andreeva’s grit to Badosa’s empathy. As Littler eyes the Premier League title on May 29, 2025, his ability to embrace his persona while navigating backlash will shape his path to surpassing O’Sullivan’s and Phil Taylor’s legacies.
