Rob Cross: “Anyone Can Crumble Under Pressure” – Including Littler and Humphries
Rob Cross has issued a stern reminder to the dominant forces in darts, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, stating that no player is invincible when put under enough pressure.
Humphries, the current world No. 1, and Littler, the reigning world champion, have been the standout names in the sport, consistently making headlines with their performances. The duo has continued their stellar form this season, with Humphries claiming the Winmau Masters and Littler securing the UK Open title. They also sit atop the Premier League table, with Humphries in first place and Littler close behind in second.
However, Cross remains confident that they can be beaten—if the right pressure is applied.
Cross: “We’re Not Talking About Gods Here”
Despite a gut-wrenching 6-5 loss to Littler in the Premier League in Glasgow, where he squandered a 5-1 lead, Cross is undeterred and will have another shot at a major scalp when he faces Humphries in Brighton on Thursday night.
Speaking to The Sun, the world No. 4 made his stance clear:
“I believe I can beat anyone when I’m on. Look, we’re not talking about gods here, are we?”
Cross emphasized that even the best players have their breaking points:
**“I don’t think that’s disrespectful. Realistically, if you put it on people, depending on the situation, they don’t always have the answer.
I was 5-1 up against [Littler] in the Premier League – he did well to win, but I had match darts. I probably faded. That’s on me. I was averaging around 93/94 through those five legs, and that cost me.
I don’t think he’s god-like. On any given day, if you apply enough pressure, everyone crumbles at some point.”**
Cross Aims for His Best Season Yet
Beyond Thursday’s clash in Brighton, Cross has set lofty ambitions for the year.
“I want to win more,” he declared. **“I think the most I’ve won in a year is five titles. I’d love to beat that this year and have the best season of my life.
That’s the plan, and I’m going to keep pushing towards it.”**
The 34-year-old also acknowledged that his scoring had dipped in recent months, but he now feels back to his best:
**“If you had spoken to me three or four months ago, I would have said my scoring wasn’t there at times. But it’s back now, and everything feels good in my game.
I want to perform, and I’m hungry for more success this year.”**
Cross Eyes First Weekly Win in Brighton
Despite not yet reaching a final in the first four weeks of the Premier League, Cross remains in contention for the top four after two semi-final appearances.
As the competition heats up, Thursday’s quarter-final lineup will see:
- Cross take on Humphries
- Littler face Chris Dobey
- Gerwyn Price battle Michael van Gerwen
- Stephen Bunting seek his first points against Nathan Aspinall
With Cross determined to prove his point, all eyes will be on whether he can deliver a statement win and shake up the Premier League standings.
