ROB CROSS is aiming to move into the Unibet Premier League Play-Offs in confident mood as he prepares to take on Mensur Suljovic in Sheffield on Thursday.
Cross is all but assured of his spot in the semi-finals at The O2 in London on Thursday May 23 following last week's big win over Michael Smith.
The 2018 World Champion sits a point clear at the top of the table, and crucially four points ahead of fith-placed Daryl Gurney going into the final two league nights.
He takes on Suljovic in Sheffield knowing that victory would ensure his Play-Offs place - while he could also become only the second player, behind Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, to top the Premier League's regular season table.
However, Cross is focusing on maintaining his strong Premier League form to ensure that any Play-Offs challenge can be successful with him taking home the coveted trophy later this month.
"It's crunch time now," said Cross. "It's the tighest Premier League we've ever had and I'm enjoying it. I'm playing well.
"I've not won anything [on the PDC circuit] but I've not played badly this year and I still feel I've probably got another gear I can kick into.
"I'm going to keep getting better through the year and I feel like I'm developing. I'm not even three years in yet. Things will get better because I'm better than what I've shown.
"I think it's important that I have a good run-in now to try and get to The O2 and feel positive and know that I'm playing well.
"I'll just try and try and perform to the best of my capabilities. I think I've done well this year - I'm a lot more settled than last year and I feel fresher.
"We all dream about winning the Premier League. It's my second attempt and it looks like I'm going to qualify for the second time.
"We've got two matches left and I want the best run-in that I can have. You've got to make sure you're playing well and that you're confident.
"We all set our stall out to qualify and we worry about positions afterwards. It's ten great players and every game's been tough."
Cross takes on Suljovic in Sheffield, and is expecting another stiff test as he takes on a potential semi-final rival.
"He's a fantastic darts player and he's got great timing with certain things," added the world number two. "He's dangerous but I have to come out, be myself and focus on my own game.
"If I do that, I believe I'll win. At the minute, I believe I'm the best I've shown but there's still more - I'm still learning and developing and I feel I'm a better all-round player this year."
The Unibet Premier League continues on Thursday May 9 at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield, where the other ties see Rob Cross take on Mensur Suljovic, Van Gerwen play Peter Wright and James Wade face Michael Smith.
For tickets, call 0114 256 5656 or click here.
Latest Unibet Premier League Table
2019 Unibet Premier League
Night 15 - Thursday May 9
The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield
Michael Smith v James Wade
Mensur Suljovic v Rob Cross
Daryl Gurney v Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
Tickets: 0114 256 5656 or click here
Night 16 - Thursday May 16
First Direct Arena, Leeds
Gerwyn Price v Peter Wright
James Wade v Rob Cross
Michael van Gerwen v Mensur Suljovic
Daryl Gurney v Michael Smith
Tickets: 0844 248 1585 or click here
Play-Offs - Thursday May 23
The O2, London
Semi-Finals
Final
Tickets: 0844 856 0202 or click here