Rob Cross completes the greatest darts comeback of all time from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey
Rob Cross has completed arguably the greatest comeback of all time to defeat Chris Dobey 5-4 at the PDC World Darts Championship.
Cross, who won the title on his debut in 2018 by beating the legendary Phil Taylor in the final, has been getting back to his best form in recent months.
But he was up against a tough opponent in Dobey, who whitewashed reigning champion Michael Smith in dominant fashion in the previous round.
And the Northumberland-born dartist picked up from where he left off against Cross, as he raced into a 4-0 lead while averaging well over 100 - as well as producing an incredible 161 checkout.
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Cross had hardly played badly himself, though, averaging a touch under 100, and broke Dobey's throw in the fifth set to pull one back.
He did so again in set six, before holding his throw three times in set seven to reduce the deficit to one.
After drawing level at 4-4, set nine saw him take out a stunning 130 checkout to break Dobey's throw in incredible fashion.
But 'Hollywood' bounced back from the brink to take both of the next legs, and take us to sudden death.
At 4-3, Cross needed to take out 70 for a famous victory - and did just that, to the heartbreak of his opponent.
CROSS COMPLETES A DARTING MIRACLE!!! 😱
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
One of the greatest comebacks of ALL-TIME as Rob Cross comes from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey and reach the Semi-Finals!
Truly sensational from the 2018 Champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/iZQRYn3283
Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, Cross remarked: "100 per cent [the best comeback I've had]. 4-0 down, I've not really played. I missed a couple of chances early, I didn't really feel like myself.
"Towards the end, I thought, 'Just push on, push on, you're going to win'.
"Credit to Chris - how good was he early on? That 161, it really did give me a kick in the mouth.
"I'm not going to swear, but I've got nerves of steel" 😅
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2024
Rob Cross reacts to that thrilling comeback win over Chris Dobey 👇 pic.twitter.com/WEpuYnDgcs
"I still believe even when I am 4-0 down. I had one of the greatest comebacks against Chris at the World Matchplay - I might as well make it at the worlds now!
"He's an amazing player, he'll come forward again. At one point, it didn't look likely, but then it did."
Topics: Darts
Ryan Smart