Rob Cross, the former champion of the PDC World Darts Championship, has been eliminated from the tournament following a stunning performance by unseeded player Scott Williams. This shocking defeat marks the latest upset as the number of seeded players exiting early is now at a record-breaking 14.
The match, which took place on December 23, 2024, at Alexandra Palace, started promisingly for Cross, the fifth seed. He quickly secured the first set against Williams, who reached the semifinals the previous year. This initial success, though, would be short-lived as Cross struggled for consistency.
Cross's quick win led many fans to believe he would dominate the match, but Williams had other plans. After dropping the first set, Williams recalibrated his approach, showcasing resilience and determination. He came back to take the next three sets, winning the contest 3-1.
Commentators watched closely as Cross, often referred to as ‘Voltage,’ became increasingly frustrated throughout the match. Reports indicated he appeared to make what seemed to be an obscene gesture toward the crowd, reflecting his growing irritation. Viewers on social media quickly highlighted the moment, offering both humorous takes and critiques of his behavior during moments of pressure.
John Part, the former PDC world champion, commented on Williams’s performance, stating, “It will be worrying for Scott Williams as he has twice been broken during the match.” Despite these concerns, Williams managed to maintain his composure, eventually edging out Cross as both players grappled with missed doubles and errors.
What made this match particularly intriguing was the shared history between Cross and Williams, who faced off two years prior with Cross triumphing. Williams expressed the significance of this rematch, with his success serving as revenge for past defeats. “It feels amazing to get this victory. I knew I could do it, and now I have to build on this momentum,” he said after the match.
Cross’s early exit is part of a troubling trend for high-seeded players at this year's championship. For the first time, 14 seeds have been knocked out by the second round, which adds to the drama surrounding this year’s tournament. It raises questions about whether the current format and pressure are contributing to these unexpected results, and if other veterans might soon face similar fates.
After the match, Williams will now look forward to progressing to the next round where he will face Ricardo Pietreczko, who defeated Gian van Veen earlier. This matchup promises to be another test for Williams as he aims to leverage the momentum gained from his victory over Cross.
Commentators pointed out the significance of Williams stepping up his game, having reached the semifinals last year. Williams is determined to shake off any previous notions of limitation against top players, stating he needed to put aside the respect he held for Cross and focus on his own game.
Ricky Evans, who recently knocked out another seed, Dave Chisnall, reflected on his own achievements and the ecstatic atmosphere at Alexandra Palace. “It’s nice to say I’ve won a game and played well — normally it’s boring!” he remarked, illustrating the competitive spirit driving players throughout this renowned event.
The World Darts Championship continues after the brief holiday break, and fans eagerly await how the remaining matches will play out, particularly with the unexpected results already setting the tone for the rest of the tournament. Players will return to the oche with new strategies and hopes of securing victory.
The stakes have never been higher, and as the holiday lights twinkle over Alexandra Palace, the drama of darts is anything but dimmed. Scott Williams now stands as one of the players to watch as he seeks to capitalize on his pivotal victory over Cross and aiming for glory as the competition progresses.
