This should inspire anyone, says Cross
After beating darts legend Phil Taylor to lift the PDC World Championship with a thrilling display, Rob Cross believes he is the perfect example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Taylor was sent into retirement by the 27-year-old former electrician from Hastings who, only 12 months earlier, had been watching the world championship from his sofa thinking that he could be just as good given the chance.
The reward at the Alexandra Palace on Monday was not just the £400,000 first prize that he estimates would have taken at least a decade “with overtime” to earn as an electrician but the coveted title as well.
High on confidence, Cross reckons he is up to challenging the likes of former world champion Michael van Gerwen for top billing.
“I believe I can dominate going forward, but I still have loads to learn,” he said
It is a story that is likely to resonate with amateur players across the world who also wonder what, with the right practice and focus, they could achieve if they went fulltime. “If you believe in your ability that much, and think you are good enough, why not? I would encourage people out there to have a go,” said Cross. “Anything is possible.”
The unsung hero in this partnership is clearly his wife Georgia. She encouraged Cross to turn professional and, even when she was going into labour with their third child last April, told him to remain in Barnsley and qualify for the World Matchplay Championship.
“Without my family, it wouldn’t have been possible to do what I have done,” he said. “They know I play darts for them – that everything is to give them a better life.”