Rob Cross revealed his ‘new regime’ is paying dividends after celebrating his second European Tour title in Kiel on Sunday evening.
Cross defeated Luke Humphries 8-6 in a thrilling NEO.bet Baltic Sea Darts Open final, defying a nine-darter from the world number one to triumph at the Wunderino Arena.
The 2018 World Champion averaged 105.56 to scoop the £30,000 top prize, producing back-to-back 12-darters to deny Humphries a second European Tour title of 2024.
Cross kicked off his campaign with a 102 average and a crushing 6-2 victory against Maik Kuivenhoven, before winning through deciding-leg ties against Stephen Bunting and Ritchie Edhouse on Finals Day.
The 33-year-old then defeated a spirited Madars Razma in the semi-finals, before capping off a memorable weekend with an epic win against Humphries.
“It's an amazing experience to come here and win something again,” admitted Cross, who also toppled Humphries to win his maiden European Tour title 12 months ago.
“I always fancy myself to win titles. I seem to perform under scrutiny, and that’s what I did.
“To hit back-to-back 12-darters to win was great and I'm happy that I've won something - it's been a while!
“I've got a new regime at the minute and it's working. I feel much better, much fresher in the longer days and long may it continue.”
Sunday’s decider was the third meeting between Cross and Humphries in the month of May, with the former World Matchplay champion claiming the spoils on Night 14 of the Premier League in Aberdeen.
However, Humphries avenged that result in some style last Thursday, dismantling Cross 6-1 with a 109 average on his way to celebrating a fourth nightly win of the campaign in Leeds.
“Me and Luke always have good games and I really enjoyed it,” continued Cross, who paid tribute to the sport’s premier player.
“He's world number one for a reason - he's the best player on the planet and he’s got the world at his feet.
“I like playing Luke and he likes playing me. He’s a really likeable guy and we have a great friendship, but he's probably got the upper hand of late!”
Despite his nine-dart heroics, Humphries – also a finalist in Kiel last year – was forced to settle for the £12,000 runner-up prize, although he vowed to take the positives from another impressive campaign.
“I don't think I did much wrong to be honest,” claimed the 29-year-old, who averaged 104.38 and landed five 180s in defeat.
“I thought I played really well in the final but Rob was even better! He always peaks at the right time, and that is what it takes to be a winner.
“It's always great to hit a nine-darter, but of course I'd like the winner's trophy. It's my second nine-darter and I've lost both [games], so maybe it’s not a good omen!
“I can’t complain too much though. I was really looking forward to playing this weekend and that showed in my performances.
“Rob's timing was much better than mine. I think that's our fourth [European Tour final] now and it's two-all - I'll get him next time!”