Rob Cross pulled off a miracle on New Year’s day to defeat Chris Dobey in the World Darts Championship quarter final.
The 2018 World Champion had found himself 4-0 down but he came back from the abyss to win what was described by Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke as ‘one of the greatest games you will ever see,’ by five sets to four.
Cross now advances to the last four of the competition for the first time since his victory in 2018, when he defeated Phil Taylor in the final.
Nicknamed ‘Voltage,’ the former electrician told Sky Sports afterwards that despite the score-line, he always believed that he could turn the tables on his opponent.
Hollywood Dobey will however be having nightmares, having surrendered an 8-2 lead to Cross back in 2022, in the World Match-play Championships.
The ninth and final set went to a tie-break and with the momentum on his side, the Pembury native nailed a double eight to complete a remarkable comeback.
CROSS COMPLETES A DARTING MIRACLE!!! 😱
One of the greatest comebacks of ALL-TIME as Rob Cross comes from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey and reach the Semi-Finals!
Truly sensational from the 2018 Champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/iZQRYn3283
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
The Alexandra Palace crowd could scarcely believe their eyes and Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke summarised the drama by hailing Cross for his ‘darting miracle.’
“Rob Cross wins one of the greatest games you will ever see at the World Championship forever,” said Pyke.
“It’s desolation and despair for Chris Dobey, as Rob Cross produces a darting miracle on New Year’s Day.”
Former champion John Part says there’s no reason why, from here, Cross won’t be able to go on and win a second title.
“You’ve got to feel for Chris Dobey. He played so brilliantly throughout the World Championships. And he just got nipped there. We look forward to seeing now if he can win a second World title, and I see no reason why he couldn’t.”
In the end, as is always the case, it came down to the doubles and Cross’ success-rate of 57% dwarfed Dobey’s rate of 33%, with Dobey losing his way after his brilliant early start.
Cross said afterwards that he ‘got away with one today,’ and hopes he’ll be able to have a brighter start in Tuesday’s semi-final.
“I didn’t feel like myself early on. Towards the end, I was just saying ‘push on, push on.’ Credit to Chris for how well he played early on. He’s an amazing player. But even when I am 4-0 down, I always believe. I came from behind against him in the match-play and I said why not here now?”
“I got away with one today. Head down now. And it can’t happen again tomorrow.”
Read more:
- World Darts Championship: All the drama, updates, analysis and finishes
- “I can’t speak. I CAN’T SPEAK!” – MVG and Bully Boy produce the greatest leg in darts history
- Can you name the darts player from their photo?
- Sky Sports apologise to viewers following Gerwyn Price gesture
- “One of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen” – Michael van Gerwen booed then stunned in stunning dart sequence
- Michael van Gerwen cuts across Michael Smith in moment of supreme sportsmanship during darts championship
