Cross: Bristow’s bulldog spirit will live on with me
Rob Cross has vowed to keep alive the bulldog spirit of Eric Bristow.
The world champion has been left shellshocked at the death of the dar t ing legend at the age of 60.
Cross used Bristow as his inspiration as he made his way in the game and says he won’t ever stop trying honour his hero’s memory.
He explained: “I only met him a couple of times but he was a player I modelled myself on.
“His charisma made me fall in love with the game.
“I actually used Eric’s darts for 13 years until I joined Target last year and then they styled my new darts based on his designs.
“Now I have white and silver Union Jack f lights which are a nod to Eric.
“Eric was pure box office, the talk of the town. He was an inspiration.
“He had that Brit ish Bulldog spirit and I will do my best to continue that legacy for years to come.
“I admired his confidence and belief and the way he was so nerveless.”
Cross and his colleagues were left devastated at Liverpool on Thursday night as the news swept through the Echo Arena.
He said: “Everyone is stunned. The darting world is reeling. But the last day has proved what a figurehead he was.
“I’ m not a legend because I’ve won a world championship.
“People like Eric, Phil Taylor, Jocky Wilson, John Lowe, Raymond van Barneveld, John Part are legends because of how far they have taken the sport.
“However far darts goes, it will always be down to Eric. I hope I can continue to fly the Union Jack darts for him in his honour.”