Darts Drama: Nine-Darter Not Enough as Top Seed Rob Cross Crashes Out!
In a stunning and truly unforgettable moment at the Euro Tour 2026 qualifiers in Hildesheim, darts’ top seed Rob Cross achieved the sport’s ultimate feat – a perfect nine-dart finish. Yet, despite this incredible display of precision, ‘Voltage’ was shockingly defeated by Cristo Reyes, highlighting the unpredictable and often brutal nature of professional darts. This early exit for the number one seed immediately became one of the tournament’s most talked-about stories.
The Perfect Start: A Nine-Darter for ‘Voltage’
The qualifiers for the first two prestigious Euro Tour events of 2026 are currently underway in Hildesheim, Germany. These tournaments are crucial stepping stones for players aiming to climb the PDC Order of Merit and secure their places in major championships. The match between former World Champion Rob Cross, affectionately known as ‘Voltage’ for his electrifying play, and the formidable Cristo Reyes, began with an explosion of brilliance.
In the very first leg of their encounter, **Rob Cross delivered a flawless nine-dart finish.** This is the pinnacle of darts achievement, requiring three perfect throws of 180, followed by a 141 checkout (e.g., treble 20, treble 19, double 12). The crowd erupted, witnessing a moment of pure sporting perfection – a sight incredibly rare even at the highest level of the game. It set the stage for what promised to be an epic battle, with Cross seemingly in unstoppable form.
The Unbelievable Upset: Reyes Responds with Authority
However, the momentum from Cross’s perfect start was quickly nullified by his opponent. Cristo Reyes, unfazed by the nine-darter, showcased remarkable composure and an exceptional standard of play. He immediately demonstrated why he is a force to be reckoned with, responding to Cross’s brilliance with consistent, high-scoring darts.
Reyes maintained an **astonishing average of 106.95 throughout the match**, a testament to his unwavering focus and skill under pressure. This high average meant that despite Cross’s perfect leg, Reyes was consistently outscoring him in subsequent legs, making it incredibly difficult for ‘Voltage’ to regain control.
The final outcome was a **shocking defeat for Rob Cross, the number one seed.** His early exit from the qualifiers means he will not participate in the first two Euro Tour events of 2026. This result serves as a powerful reminder that in professional darts, a single moment of perfection, while spectacular, does not guarantee overall victory. Reyes’s ability to maintain such a high standard against a top player, especially after conceding a nine-darter, makes his win even more impressive.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartfreakz.nl.
