Rob Cross delivered a commanding performance at Alexandra Palace, sweeping aside Damon Heta 4-0 to book a highly-anticipated fourth-round showdown with reigning champion Luke Littler.
Clinical Cross sets up Littler showdown
The 2018 world champion was in ruthless form, dropping just two legs against the Australian number one. Cross averaged 94.11 and landed 46% of his doubles, capitalising on a below-par display from Heta, who managed to hit only 31.6% of his double attempts. The victory means Cross has conceded just one set so far in this year's tournament.
Speaking after his dominant win, Cross admitted he hasn't yet hit top gear. "Sometimes it will be pretty, sometimes not," he said. "The big factor was I held myself together at the right times. I'm really glad to get through. I'm one step closer." He added, "I've not played my best. I've been clinical in the important moments, but I've not hit the heights I wanted to hit."
Looking ahead to the mouth-watering tie with teenage sensation Littler, Cross appeared relaxed about the challenge. "There's no shackles, no worries. He's fantastic. From a lovely family and a lovely boy. But the pressure isn't on me," Cross stated. "What does it matter? If Rob Cross loses to Luke Littler, who cares? Hopefully I can take the shackles off and get a good tune out of myself."
Anderson holds nerve in Alexandra Palace epic
In another thrilling third-round encounter, two-time champion Gary Anderson displayed his trademark resilience to edge out Jermaine Wattimena in a dramatic 4-3 victory. The Dutchman staged a remarkable comeback from 3-1 down, saving four match darts and forcing a deciding set with a spectacular 124 checkout on the bull.
The drama peaked in the final set when Anderson narrowly missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish, a feat that would have been the first of this year's championship. Despite the near miss, the Scot held his nerve to secure his place in the last 16. Anderson's performance was powered by 14 maximums and an impressive match average of 102.24, building on his 105.41 average from the previous round.
Searle continues flawless run
Elsewhere, Devon's Ryan Searle produced a masterclass to dismantle German number one Martin Schindler 4-0. Searle won nine consecutive legs during the one-sided contest, averaging 102.29. Like Cross, he is yet to drop a set in the tournament and now advances to face James Hurrell, who caused an upset by defeating Stephen Bunting.
The results set up a fascinating last-16 line-up at Ally Pally, with the clash between the experienced Cross and the defending champion Littler poised to be a highlight of the championship so far.
