Darts
2024 Grand Slam of Darts: Rob Cross Talks Pressure, Fatigue, and the New Darts Generation
Rob Cross credits rising darts stars, despite the sport's gruelling demands and shifting landscape.
Rob Cross, the fourth seed, comfortably defeated two-time world champion Peter Wright to secure his place in the last-16 of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts. This victory set up an intriguing next round clash with Ritchie Edhouse, the surprise winner of the recent 2024 European Championship.
Edhouse's Shock European Championship Victory Adds to Darts' New Wave
Edhouse's unexpected triumph was a shock to the darts world, as the 2024 European Championship became his first-ever PDC televised ranking title.
He became the second "first-time" winner of the season, joining Belgian star Mike De Decker, who lifted the 2024 World Grand Prix in Leicester.
These unexpected victories have led to much speculation about the current state of darts, sparking debates on the openness of the field and whether the so-called "top boys" are being pushed by a new wave of talent.
James Wade Weighs In: Are Top Players Tired from the Gruelling Schedule?
Three-time finalist James Wade weighed in on the debate, commenting on the shifting landscape of darts: “The names on the trophies now aren't what they used to be. The great players are tired and exhausted but hats off to the players that are winning tournaments,” Wade told Sky Sports live after his victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez.
With this in mind, as a regular at the top of the world rankings and a fixture in the Premier League, we asked Cross whether he feels the weight of being a top player in the sport, especially given Wade’s comments on fatigue and the long schedule.
Does he agree that the long travel and constant grind take their toll, or is the field now more open than ever?
Cross Gives His Verdict
Cross somewhat agreed with Wade's sentiments, acknowledging how the demands of the sport can sometimes impact performances, but he was quick to give credit where it's due to players like Edhouse and De Decker.
“The standard is rising, don't get me wrong. But you spend the whole year nearly on the road. You try and grab rest. I find it a little bit hard sometimes. I can't lie,” Cross told SportsBoom.com.
“But at the same time, you've got to look at these boys, you've got to give them the credit what they deserve.”
“It is not about all the top boys being tired. Don't get me wrong, it probably plays a fact here and there, but at the same time, if you're performing and you are up there at the top end, you never ever struggle.”
“You notice when you come out with a mediocre game and then you've got to try and make it a winning game. You’ll get close, but maybe it might not be enough. We’ve got to adjust to what's in front of you now.”
Respect for the New Generation: Cross Credits Rising Stars Like Edhouse and De Decker
“I think to put your best foot forward, it's not everyone else, it's yourself. That's the way I'm going to take it anyway. I'm going to say I play a lot in a year. I enjoy what I play, but at the same time, sometimes it does get tough.”
“You can't take it away from anyone else when they're just doing better stuff than you. Credit to these boys what have really made the game different.”
Cross’s remarks highlight the growing competitiveness in darts, with rising stars challenging the established order.
While the demands of the sport can sometimes take a toll, Cross’s acknowledgment of players like Edhouse and De Decker shows his respect for the next generation of darts talent reshaping the sport.
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