Unibet Premier League

Thursday 15th March 2018

Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Rob Cross put in a highly impressive display as he beat Mensur Suljovic 7-2 on night seven of the 2018 Unibet Premier League at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. 

Going into the match Cross said "Mensur's playing great and I have to admit that I'm really looking forward to the game.

"He's a little bit slower, a little bit more quirky than most people that you play on the tour but he's a fantastic player - I get on with him and we usually practice together.

"His averages are probably better than mine at the minute and he beat me last time we played so I want to get that one back.

"I've been getting the wins lately, my confidence is growing and the belief is back. The timing, especially towards the end against Michael Smith last week, was special and you need to be doing it at pivotal points.

"I'm a bit edgy when I'm starting and that's got to change, I'm not sharp enough at the minute and I've got to be pressing throughout.

"It doesn't matter how you win, as long as you get the win. I'm feeling a lot happier at the moment and I'll keep getting better."

Cross made an excellent start to the match by breaking the Suljovic throw in the first leg by hitting double eighteen at the first attempt for a 13 darter.

He then held throw in the second leg to go 2-0 up, taking out 68 (T20, D4) in a 17 dart leg. His Austrian opponent then got on the scoreboard by taking out 59 (19, D20) for a 14 darter with Cross left waiting on 36 having thrown 12 darts.

'Voltage' won the next leg in 15 darts, hitting back-to-back 140s then checking out on 104 (T4, T20, D16). He then made it 4-1 with a superb 11 darter, scoring 117, 180, 140 and finishing off 64 (T16, D8).

Cross was now ousing with confidence as he turned his 4-1 lead into 6-1 with two 14 darters with finishes of 40 (x, D20) and 60 (20, D20). Suljovic won his second leg of the match in 14 darts with a 36 finish (18, D9) then Cross sealed a 7-2 victory with another 14 darter, finishing on 24 (x, D12).

The performance from the world champion was his best in the Premier League so far and lifts him to third in the league table He hit three maximums and averaged 106.49

Suljovic hit one 180 and averaged 94.65.

Following the win, Cross said "I felt great up there and I was glad to win. I was nice and relaxed and composed and my doubles were good today.

"Mensur didn't play as well as he has been recently but my setting up and finishing was great and it's something I've been working hard on.

"I'm really happy with the win, I'm enjoying it and I was focused on the job tonight. I feel I'm playing well and it's all going the right way for me at the minute - I feel I'm getting better every week."

League Table

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