show off to the crowd a little bit longer, I’ll just stay at the drinks table a bit longer so they aren’t doing it in my face.
“That way I’m not getting involved in all the mind games, but I’m still doing things at my pace.
“There is too much money involved in darts nowadays to let people put you off.
“If people want a bit of eye contact or a bit extra, you have got to change your plan.
“You can’t get yourself embroiled in it or you will lose the game.”
Now he is a world champion, with the proverbial target on his back, Cross expects opponents to try more gamesmanship – but he will be ready for it.
He added: “I am so set in my ways that, if I had any of that, I would still use the same patterns – go back to the drinks table, have another sip of water, take my time, let them get out of the way.
“If they want to do anything on camera – which most people don’t – let them get on with it.
“But it won’t affect the way I play.”
William Hill PDC Darts World Championship, live on Sky Sports Darts from Thursday December 13 (7pm)