Rob Cross has declared himself mentally stronger and ready to breathe new life into his darts career after a challenging period marked by illness, mental struggles, and personal issues. The former world champion, currently ranked world number 20, says he feels more stable and settled than six to eight months ago, with his hunger to contend for major titles fully returned. Cross, nicknamed "Voltage," is determined to make a fresh start this season, emphasizing that he has begun to establish a routine and is "a lot happier as a human being."
Cross has spoken openly about his mental state, including during the recent World Darts Championship, and now consciously chooses reflection and self-development over pushing problems aside. He acknowledges missing tournaments in recent years due to the demands of the Premier League and World Series, stating, "There's a lot to gain back, but I just need to get back to work with this new head." The Englishman stresses that his issues weren't solely darts-related, citing "certain things go wrong in my life," but he places responsibility on himself to address them, saying, "I will work on myself and try to address it now. It is something I have not done before."
Despite a season he describes as challenging, Cross claimed the first Players Championship of 2025 and the Dutch Darts Masters. His start to the current season has been solid but not spectacular: he reached the fourth round of the World Championship and exited in the last 32 at the first two ProTour events. Cross believes his top level is still within reach, noting, "I look at it like I still have ten good years left in this game. If I play to the best of my abilities, I know I can beat anyone in the world."
Notably absent from this year's Premier League Darts line-up, Cross views it as an opportunity rather than a blow. He says the weekly pressure of the Premier League takes a toll physically and mentally, and the absence allows him time to work on himself. "I think personally not having the Premier League or anything illustrious will give me that time to reflect on myself, to make sure I can do something," he explained, aiming to use the relative calm to grow and return stronger.
