Rob Cross - one season wonder?

An amazing debut year in the PDC saw Rob Cross come from nowhere to becoming the World Champion. His ranking rose to 3rd in the World.
Phil Taylors successor had arrived.

Or so it seemed.
Since that glorious day at the start of January things haven't gone all that well for Cross.
His first tournament as World Champion, The Masters, started well with a 10-3 win over Ian White. However, Mensur Suljovic proved to be the better player on the day in round 2 - beating Cross 10-8.

He made his debut in the Premier League on Thursday, with a fixture against the world number 1 and the man he beat in the Worlds semi final - Michael van Gerwen. It was a bit of a harrowing experience for Cross, with MvG cruising to a 7-2 win.
Next up was the UK Open qualifiers. 3 events in 3 days. On Friday he got a tough draw in the last 126 (the round he entered in) against Corey Cadby. The mouthy Aussie stormed to a 6-2 win.
Day 2 saw Cross draw Jamie Hughes in the last 126. Once again Cross failed to perform, losing 6-3.
Day 3 and Cross faced Ryan Meikle at the same stage. Once again Cross failed to progress - a 6-5 defeat.


A bit of a crisis for Cross. He faces Simon Whitlock on Thursday in the Premier League, and it looks a vital game to regain some confidence. Then he has a bit of work to do next weekend to get a UK Open final place in the remaining 3 qualifiers.

A World Championship hangover? One of the quickest rise and falls seen in darts? Or just a blip?