Darts star opens up about shock divorce after World Matchplay victory

Rob Cross opened up about his shock divorce from his wife of 15 years after thrashing Danny Noppert at the World Matchplay.

Cross, 35, coasted to a 10-3 victory over Noppert on Monday evening (July 20), returning an impressive average of 97.41, but it was his post-match words that really caught the attention.

Speaking after the match at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Cross opened up about separating from his wife, Georgia, admitting that the split has actually helped bring “structure” into his life, allowing him a better balance between his profession and spending time with his family.

“I’m single now so that’s all I’ve really got in the world now is darts so I can concentrate on it,” he told the Sun.

“I think I want to make the game work. I think that is important. I am very lucky I can see my kids whenever I want to see them.

“My son sung Georgia’s praises the other week. She is a great mum. I still get more or less everything that I want.

“If I want to pop across in the evening or pop out with the kids or do anything, I am very blessed with that.

“Usually going through these things most people experience difficulties so it is not really like that.

“It is not a hate situation. She still understands that I can be away for two weeks. So, bless her really that she still gives me that time.”

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Cross, who won the World Matchplay back in 2019, returns to action on Wednesday (July 22), when he will take on Gerwyn Price.

Further elaborating on his divorce and how it has allowed him to become more organised, he added: “It has actually organised my time. Before I used to take stuff for granted.

“Now I book the kids in for that day or the weekend.

“I have always liked structure through my life, but at the same time by doing that I turn up and I go do all of them things.

“I’ve also done that with darts now.

“So actually, I am going to practise this day, but I’ll pop through to see them for an hour, nip them to McDonald’s and go spend an hour with them, which is brilliant.

“Drop them home, go back and do my practice. So, it has probably helped me with my life balance.

“I love routine. I always love what you stick your name to. If I say I am going to do it, I will do it.

“It has given me a structure to work with.”

Cross was also quick to credit his ex-wife for the support she showed him throughout his career, before explaining how he now takes more “responsibility” for his time and life, maintaining that his kids are his priority.

The winner of this year’s World Matchplay will receive a record prize of £225,000, an increase of £25,000 from the 2025 edition.

The runner-up will pocket £125,000, while the semi-final losers will be £65,000 richer. Luke Littler won the tournament 12 months ago.