In a match that will be etched into darts folklore, Rob Cross pulled off what many are calling the greatest comeback in the sport’s history, battling back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Chris Dobey 5-4 in a thrilling quarter-final at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. The Alexandra Palace stage, already electric with the fervor of New Year’s Day 2024, erupted as Cross, the 2018 world champion, defied the odds to secure a semi-final spot against teenage sensation Luke Littler. The dramatic clash showcased not only Cross’s unyielding resolve but also the unrelenting drama that has made darts a global phenomenon.
From the outset, Dobey, nicknamed “Hollywood,” dominated the match with blistering precision. Fresh off a commanding 4-0 rout of reigning champion Michael Smith in the previous round, the Northumberland-born star carried his momentum into the quarter-final, racing to a 4-0 lead with an average exceeding 100. His highlight was a sensational 161 checkout, pinning the bullseye to leave the Ally Pally crowd gasping. “Credit to Chris, how good was he early? That 161 really gave me a kick in the mouth,” Cross later admitted, acknowledging Dobey’s early brilliance. At that point, with Dobey averaging a staggering 122 in the fourth set and needing just three legs to clinch the match, Cross appeared destined for a crushing defeat.
Yet, Cross, known as “Voltage” for his electrifying presence, refused to surrender. Despite missing early chances and admitting, “I didn’t really feel like myself,” he maintained an average just shy of 100 and began his improbable fightback in the fifth set. Breaking Dobey’s throw with a clinical 3-1 set win, Cross ignited a spark of hope. The sixth set proved pivotal, as Dobey’s scoring dipped, allowing Cross to capitalize with another break and a 3-1 victory. “I still believe, even when I’m 4-0 down,” Cross declared post-match, reflecting the steely determination that fueled his resurgence. By the seventh set, with Dobey missing three clear darts at double, the momentum had swung decisively in Cross’s favor.
The eighth set saw Cross level the match at 4-4, his finishing prowess shining through with a 57% double success rate. The Ally Pally faithful, sensing history in the making, chanted “Robby, Robby Cross!” as the former champion found his rhythm, unleashing maximums and high checkouts. The deciding ninth set was a nail-biting affair, with Cross surging to a 2-0 lead only for Dobey to claw back to 2-2, forcing a tiebreak. Dobey’s missed match dart at bullseye in the seventh set proved costly, and Cross, with nerves of steel, sealed the victory with a nerveless 70 finish on double eight. “I’m not going to swear, but I’ve got nerves of steel,” Cross quipped, his grin capturing the magnitude of his achievement.
This wasn’t Cross’s first comeback against Dobey. In 2022, he rallied from 8-2 down to win 11-9 at the World Matchplay, but he was unequivocal that this surpassed it. “100 per cent,” he told reporters when asked if this was his greatest comeback, emphasizing the unique pressure of the World Championship stage. The victory marked the first time a player had overturned a 4-0 deficit in a World Championship quarter-final, a feat that cemented Cross’s place in darts history. His opponent, Dobey, was left shell-shocked, having let slip a commanding lead despite a brilliant performance that included six consecutive legs at one stage.
Cross’s journey to this moment reflects his resilience. Since turning professional in 2017 after a career as an electrician, he has climbed to world number eight, with a PDC World Championship title and three other major crowns, including the 2019 World Matchplay. His 2023 season was stellar, with back-to-back World Series titles and a European Darts Grand Prix win over Luke Humphries. Now, he faces 16-year-old Luke Littler, who demolished Brendan Dolan 5-1 in his quarter-final, in a semi-final showdown that promises more drama. “He’s amazing,” Cross said of Littler, acknowledging the teenager’s meteoric rise while relishing the challenge.
The darts world buzzed with awe at Cross’s heroics. Fans on social media hailed it as “one of the greatest comebacks of all time,” while pundits like John Part labeled it the pinnacle of darting miracles. For Dobey, the defeat was heartbreaking, but his early dominance showcased his potential as a future major winner. As Cross prepares for his semi-final, the 33-year-old carries the weight of history and the hopes of a raucous Ally Pally crowd, proving that in darts, belief and precision can turn the impossible into reality.
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