Rob Cross will take on Jonny Clayton at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship this afternoon, as he eyes a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the title in 2018.
The 33-year-old famously captured the Sid Waddell Trophy on debut in 2017/2018, annihilating Phil Taylor 7-2 in the 16-time World Champion’s final professional match.
Cross underwhelmed in this year's Alexandra Palace opener against Thibault Tricole, despite his straight-sets victory over the Frenchman.
However, he then overpowered Jeffrey de Graaf in a high-quality third round tussle, registering a ton-topping average to cap off a clinical display of doubling.
Cross arrived in the capital fresh from reaching last month’s Grand Slam of Darts final, and he believes he’s playing some of his best darts since his landmark victory in 2018.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying the game again,” insisted Cross, who also claimed back-to-back World Series of Darts titles in Hamilton and Wollongong back in August.
“I’ve had a brilliant year. I’ve been getting better; I’ve been improving but I’ve still got to play people of the same ability or maybe better, so I’ve got to play it down somewhere.
“Is it the most comfortable I’ve felt since winning the World Championship? 100 per cent.
“The headspace and the [level of] performance is in a good place.”
Cross revealed his frustration at his slow starts in matches, but is buoyed by the elongated format of the showpiece event, which he believes plays into his hands.
The man from Hastings is confident heading into the business end of the World Championship, and is not deterred by his fourth round exit 12 months ago.
“I didn’t play badly last year, it’s just someone else found the right shot at the right time," conceded Cross, who succumbed to Chris Dobey at the same stage of last year's event.
“That’s life, but I have to admit that I didn’t really feel I was in the form that I’m in now, and I didn’t feel as comfortable as I do now when I’m up there.
“I’ve always been the same. I think if you play me over the best of 11 [legs], I have that slow start that I’m prone to.
“Champions find that extra gear. I think when you need it the most you’ve got to fight - especially to win this tournament – and if you don’t find something you’re going home.”
The four-time Premier TV title winner will be hoping to overcome last year’s quarter-finalist Clayton, who has struggled for form in the latter stages of 2023.
The Welshman has battled through two gruelling matches with Steve Lennon and Krzysztof Ratajski, in contests dominated by missed doubles.
However, Clayton claims he is working harder than ever to replicate the form that took him to the World Matchplay final earlier this year.
“I’m back on the practice board big time. I’ve never practiced that much in my life," declared Clayton, who celebrated a second World Cup triumph alongside Gerwyn Price in June.
“I need to get my game back on form and practice makes perfect as they say.
“It’s a massive game [against Rob Cross]. Everything has to be on form with me otherwise I go home.”
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Saturday December 30
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Fourth Round
Scott Williams v Damon Heta
Daryl Gurney v Dave Chisnall
Rob Cross v Jonny Clayton