Cross: Don't Believe the Hype

Rob Cross has dismissed all talk of his clashes with Michael van Gerwen being the next big rivalry of the oche. Voltage beat MVG in one of the most epic matches at the Alexandra Palace last December on his way to winning a fairytale World Championship. But since then the Dutchman comfortably beat Cross on the opening night of the Unibet Premier League two months ago. Now they go head-to-head in Birmingham tomorrow night and Cross admits: “I know that everybody likes to build up hype before these matches. “I’m proud that people want to build me up as the next big thing. I remember watching Phil Taylor v Dennis Priestley, or Raymond van Barneveld and then Michael v Phil. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s good for the fans and Sky Sports and I love a bit of the razzle dazzle on football coverage. But I think the buzz around matches between Michael and I are probably a bit premature. “I’m sure that the semi-final at the Ally Pally stoked that up. But Michael is far more experienced than me right now, he’s been there and won the lot a few times already! “He is my target, I want to win like he does. I’ve always said my aim is World No 1 and that’s his territory right now. “But I’m still a work in progress type of guy. I’m learning every day. I’ve shown what I can do now I need to keep doing it every week, not just at the Ally Pally, and I’m loving every minute of it.” Cross has recovered from a shaky start to the year in the Premier League and is on the verge of booking his place at the O2 Play-Offs. He knows the clash with MVG can not only see him seal a place in the last four but also provide another yardstick to how much he has improved. Cross added: “It’s going to be interesting. I’m playing well, I’m happy where I am. “It’s been amazing and I am very grateful but realistically I have been here 15 months, carrying all the things that have changed. “The Premier League is odd. You spend 15 weeks on the road and look at that final night and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. “But I have learnt so much in the Premier League this year.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)