Cross closes in on Premier League play-offs

World darts champion Rob Cross is on the brink of qualifying for the Unibet Premier League play-offs.
Rob Cross celebrates during his 6-6 draw against Raymond van Barneveld. Picture courtesy Lawrence Lustig/PDCRob Cross celebrates during his 6-6 draw against Raymond van Barneveld. Picture courtesy Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Rob Cross celebrates during his 6-6 draw against Raymond van Barneveld. Picture courtesy Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The St Leonards-based thrower earned a second successive 6-6 draw with a share of the spoils against Raymond van Barneveld in Manchester tonight (Thursday).

One more point from his remaining two matches will make absolutely sure of Cross’s place in the play-offs at The O2 Arena on Thursday May 17, but he may well have already done enough.

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Although he hit four 180s, Cross lacked consistency with his scoring against van Barneveld. But his finishing was sharp, hitting six of his nine darts at a double, and he was particularly lethal on double 16.

After van Barneveld held throw in the opening leg, Cross started the second leg 140, 180 en route to a 13-darter and he then checked out 72 on the bull for a 15-darter to lead 2-1. Van Barneveld hit the first of his four 180s in leg four, but Cross finished 52 in two darts to lead 3-1.

Both men landed maximums in leg five before van Barneveld produced a superb 129 outshot to hold throw. Cross hit his third 180 in the next leg and checked out 72 for a 15-darter only for van Barneveld to hit his third 180 at the start of leg seven on his way to a 15-darter.

Cross landed his fourth 180 in leg eight and after van Barneveld missed two darts to break back, Cross pinned double nine for a 5-3 lead.

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Van Barneveld, however, reeled off the next three legs to go 6-5 up. He broke the Cross throw with a 13-darter in leg 10 after Cross missed a dart at double top for a 118 checkout. Cross served up a 13-darter on his own throw in the final leg, though, to earn a draw.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Cross said: “It was a strange game. It started off very slowly, got a little bit better and then got a little bit worse. I’m happy with a point in fairness. It wasn’t the best game me and Barney can throw, but a point’s a point.”

The Premier League is a 16-week roadshow competition involving 10 of the sport’s top players. The next step is Birmingham next Thursday when Cross - who is third in the table - will face world number one and league leader Michael van Gerwen.

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