Rob Cross Left Stunned as Luke Littler Completes Incredible Comeback in Premier League Darts
Rob Cross may be regretting his pre-match comments after suffering a stunning collapse against Luke Littler in Premier League Darts.
The 34-year-old was in complete control, leading 5-1, only to see Littler mount a sensational comeback and snatch a 6-5 victory.
Cross Dismissed Littler’s Struggles Before Their Match
Heading into Glasgow, Littler had been struggling for form, with early exits in the Players Championship 1 and a loss to Gerwyn Price in Wigan. However, Cross downplayed the idea that the 18-year-old world champion was truly struggling.
“You tell me over the last year how many problems the boy’s had? He’s not really had a lot, has he?” Cross said before the match.
“I think you’d be naive to think that it’s going to affect him massively.”
Cross also acknowledged that Littler now carries a target on his back as world champion but believed his game remained strong:
“He’s still playing great. He’s losing with big averages, and sometimes you’ve just got to be patient and wait for the wins.”
Those words quickly came back to haunt Cross as he let a commanding lead slip away, missing three match darts before Littler stormed to victory.
Littler’s Stunning Comeback Under Boos and Pressure
Cross had a golden chance to seal victory when he needed 117 for the win. He landed two darts and only required 20, but the Glasgow crowd booed him—and it seemed to rattle him as he aimed too low and missed.
Sensing his opportunity, Littler coolly landed his trademark double 10, shifting the momentum entirely in his favor.
From there, the world No.2 fired two consecutive 180s to pile pressure on Cross, who once again lined up a match dart at double 18—but missed again as the crowd grew even louder.
Littler, showing no nerves, opened the deciding leg with yet another 180 and sealed victory with an 88 checkout, finishing with a 12-darter to complete the remarkable turnaround.
What’s Next?
Littler’s win marks a huge confidence boost as he now prepares to face Michael van Gerwen in his next match, aiming for his first Premier League nightly victory in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Cross will be left wondering how he let a 5-1 lead slip, especially after his pre-match remarks questioning Littler’s struggles.
