‘Not the proudest moment of my life' – Darts star Rob Cross breaks silence on £450k tax issue that led to ban
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ROB CROSS admits being banned as a company director for unpaid tax is 'not the proudest moment' of his life.
The World No.9 has spoken for the first time after being disqualified from acting as a company director for five years after his business failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax.
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Rob Cross has broken his silence on his ban
Credit: PA
Four-time major winner Cross set about making it right and has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement to repay the money.
He said: 'It's not the proudest moment of my life. I've done wrong, and I'll hold my hands up to it.
'Going down this route with the IVA to pay the money back means I'm not running. I suppose you make mistakes in life.
'I'm willing to correct them; it's going to tarnish me, but I'm going to do the right thing.
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'It's been going on for two years. It has taken two years to get to something of a resolution. It's cost me a lot of money to get there.
'It needs to be paid back. This isn't new news to me. I was probably suffering more than two years ago with it.'
He added: 'I have to admit it's the only thing I am happy with. It's sorted, it's there now. I can just carry on working, pay it back and move forward.
'I was surprised it took the best part of two years to come out. It was a long wait, but there were so many complicated things.
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'The UK government didn't want me to go bankrupt, which is rightfully so, and I don't think I've needed to.
'I'm sorry to let all of my fans down. I will get it sorted and get back on my feet. Hopefully, it won't linger over me for the rest of my life.'
Fans spot perfect way Rob Cross beat Gerwyn Price after Welshman showed off chippy on Sky Sports
Former world champion Cross returns to action today as he begins the defense of his US Masters title against Danny Lauby at Madison Square Garden.
Cross believes his game is in a good place and he is buzzing to defend the crown in New York.
He said: 'Absolutely amazing. I was buzzing walking in. Such an iconic arena. I've been here twice.
'It's been my third time this year. I loved it from day one, but winning it last year was very, very special.
'I've had some new darts and I have to admit, I'm not going to lie, I've had a massive rest.
'I've rested up and sort of tried to build the batteries, that was the aim.
'Even basing it off Copenhagen, I thought I played steady and I was consistent and I never really practised there much, so I'm good.
'I'm mentally good and that's where I need to be.'
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