Rob Cross enjoys win and breaks silence after being hit with five-year director ban
Englishman sets off-oche issues aside to progress at Nordic Masters by beating Swede Andreas Harryson 6-4
Battling Rob Cross made a winning return on his first appearance since receiving a five-year ban as a director after his company failed to pay over £400,000 in tax.
News broke on Thursday over the former World Champion's issue away from the oche.
But, as he returned for the Nordic Darts Masters on Friday night, Cross got a success as he defeated Swede Andreas Harryson 6-4 to progress to Saturday's final stages.
The Englishman was delighted to get the win in Denmark and, when asked after the victory about his experiences in Copenhagen, he said: 'Yesterday, I walked 14 and a half miles around the city, so it's been nice and I enjoyed it. It's a great place just to go out, really. Fill your lungs up with a bit of air. I've enjoyed my time here. I enjoyed my time last year and it's always a privilege to come back."
Cross made the final in 2024 and, asked what it would mean to go one better, he said: "Just a great tournament, a great place in the world and the World Series always offers itself. But to win it this weekend, it would mean a lot. I've had a little bit of time off, a few difficulties, but, at the same time, it would mean a lot to me.'
Cross didn't find his best against Harryson, but said: 'I enjoyed the match, I'm not going to lie. I've walked in this weekend, I've just come off of probably two and a half weeks off, I've not really picked them up. A little bit lazy, I suppose. But I needed that. A little bit of a freshen up, but to win that match there, I'll be better tomorrow now. That's 100 per cent.
'I'm where I'm at, you know, if I've not really been playing, where do you (know where your game is? I could have gone out there tonight and hit 120, or I could have gone out there and hit a 48, to be honest. I'm very happy just to get over the line and keep pushing.
'To win this would be fantastic. The crowd's amazing. There's no booing out there, there's only fairness and credit to the Copenhagen people that come out and watch. I appreciate that. That could have been even tougher for me with a few boos, a few whistles.
"That could have really swung the game in his favour, I suppose. Not having that gives me the comfort. We all feel it sometimes when they're not quite going, if the crowd gets on your back, darts can be tough. They are very appreciative, but to win it this week, it would mean a lot to me.'
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