The darts world witnessed a moment of sheer brilliance on Wednesday as Rob Cross, the 2018 PDC World Champion known as “Voltage,” delivered a flawless nine-darter to kick off his campaign in the qualifying tournament for the Poland Darts Masters, the first event on the 2026 PDC European Tour.
In his opening round match against Spanish darts veteran Cristo Reyes, Cross wasted no time in showcasing his precision and composure under pressure. The perfect leg came right from the start, electrifying the atmosphere as he stepped up to throw. He began with a scorching 177 score, followed by a maximum 180 to leave himself on 54. Then, with ice in his veins, he nailed triple 18, triple 20, and double 18 to complete the nine-dart finish in just nine arrows—the holy grail of darts.
This stunning achievement set the tone for what promised to be an intense battle, though the match ultimately didn’t go Cross’s way in securing advancement. Despite the early perfection, Reyes fought back resiliently, and the tie slipped away from the Englishman. Nevertheless, the nine-darter stood as a highlight, reminding fans why Cross remains one of the most dangerous players on the circuit.
For Cross, this wasn’t his first taste of perfection. It marked his fifth recorded nine-darter on the PDC circuit overall. His journey with the feat began back on the Challenge Tour in 2016, shortly after he transitioned from amateur status to the professional ranks. Subsequent perfect legs followed in various events, including a memorable televised one during the 2025 Premier League Darts, where he achieved it in a semi-final against Nathan Aspinall. Those moments have cemented his reputation as a player capable of producing magic when it matters most.
The qualifying event itself carried high stakes. The Poland Darts Masters, as the opening European Tour stop of the season, offers limited spots through these grueling qualifiers. Top talents like Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Beau Greaves were also in the mix, each vying for a place in the main draw. Cross was drawn against Reyes in a matchup that carried real danger, given the Spaniard’s experience and ability to punish any lapse. Qualifiers like this are unforgiving—high averages, big checkouts, and moments of brilliance are often required just to survive the early rounds.
Cross’s performance, even if not enough for victory in that particular tie, underscored his enduring quality. The former electrician from Sussex has long been a force in the sport, rising dramatically to claim the world title in his debut season as a pro in 2018. Since then, he’s added major honors, including the 2019 European Championship, and multiple European Tour successes. His game blends raw power with clinical finishing, and when his scoring rhythm clicks—as it did emphatically in that opening leg—he becomes nearly unstoppable.
Fans and commentators alike celebrated the feat across social media and darts communities, with clips of the nine-darter circulating rapidly. One observer captured the excitement succinctly: “Rob Cross has just fired in a nine-darter to kick off his opening round tie against Cristo Reyes in the ET1 Qualifier!” It was a reminder that even in defeat, a moment of perfection can light up the oche and inspire those watching.
As the European Tour season unfolds, starting with the Poland Darts Masters, Cross’s early-season heroics signal that “Voltage” is ready to charge toward more silverware. In a sport where margins are razor-thin and pressure is constant, such displays of skill keep the excitement alive and prove why darts continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With his experience, form, and ability to produce the extraordinary, Rob Cross remains a player every opponent fears—and every fan loves to watch.
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