Rob Cross is hoping to return to his blistering best when he takes on Ritchie Edhouse for a place in the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals tonight.
Cross will play newly-crowned European Champion Edhouse in a fascinating clash at WV Active Aldersley on Wednesday, after progressing through the round-robin phase earlier this week.
The 2023 runner-up swept aside three-time finalist Peter Wright 5-1 in their decisive Group C showdown on Monday, to secure a place in the knockout stages for an eighth consecutive year.
“I can’t say I enjoy the best of nine format. It’s cut-throat, but it’s always something I’ve managed to deal with,” admitted the 2018 World Champion.
“I cannot wait for the next round now. I think I will feel more comfortable over a longer format.
“I know I have to up it, because Ritchie is playing well and he’s full of confidence.
“I’ve known him for years and I’ve always rated him as a dart player. He proved to everyone what he can do a few weeks ago.”
Cross also paid tribute to Wright post-match, as the Scot bowed out of the tournament following a run of three consecutive defeats.
“I was playing a legend of the game,” continued Cross, the fourth seed in Wolverhampton this year.
“Peter’s not quite there at the moment, and he deserves more.
“He’s a two-time World Champion, he’s a great man and he’s given a lot to the game. I hope that he can come back. I hope he can rebuild.
“How can I give him advice? He’s won more than me, he’s achieved more than me in the game, and I’m sure if there’s anyone on the planet who can find a way to turn it around, it’s Peter.”
Three-time runner-up James Wade will also feature in Wednesday’s second round, as he meets Scottish star Cameron Menzies for a last eight berth.
Wade defeated world number one Luke Humphries on his way to qualification, while Menzies survived a late scare to book his place in the last 16 of a televised ranking event for the first time.
Elsewhere, former European Champion Ross Smith will play Martin Lukeman, with Dutch number two Danny Noppert up against Mickey Mansell in the evening’s opener.
2024 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts
Wednesday November 13 (1900 GMT)
4x Second Round
Danny Noppert v Mickey Mansell
James Wade v Cameron Menzies
Martin Lukeman v Ross Smith
Ritchie Edhouse v Rob Cross
Best of 19 legs