In the high-stakes world of professional darts, players often engage in a fun thought experiment: building the ‘perfect darter’ by combining the best attributes of their peers. Recently, former World Champion Rob Cross, known as ‘Voltage’, took part in this challenge. While carefully selecting aspects like scoring power and walk-on presence from other top players, Cross delivered a truly hilarious and memorable moment when it came to choosing the ultimate ‘finishing’ ability. Instead of picking a rival, he confidently declared, “I’ll go for myself!” This bold and unexpected self-selection not only drew laughter but also offered a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of an elite athlete.
The Quest for Darts Perfection: Building the Ultimate Player
The concept of creating a “perfect” athlete by cherry-picking traits from various stars is a popular exercise across many sports, and darts is no exception. Fans and players alike enjoy imagining a Frankenstein’s monster of a darter, combining the strengths that make the game so thrilling. This often involves a thoughtful breakdown of what truly makes a player exceptional.
How Players Typically Build Their Dream Darter
When professional darters are asked to construct their ideal opponent or teammate, they usually consider several key components:
- Scoring Power: Who consistently hits the treble 20s with ease? (e.g., Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price)
- Finishing Ability: Who can close out a leg under immense pressure? (e.g., Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson)
- Mental Strength/Composure: Who keeps a cool head when the stakes are highest? (e.g., Peter Wright, Raymond van Barneveld)
- Walk-On/Stage Presence: Who commands the arena and gets the crowd going? (e.g., Dimitri Van den Bergh, Peter Wright)
- Consistency: Who delivers top-level darts day in and day out?
Rob Cross Enters the Arena: ‘Voltage’ Makes His Picks
When it was Rob Cross’s turn to assemble his perfect darter, he began much like anyone else, acknowledging the incredible talents of his fellow competitors. He meticulously considered who possessed the most formidable scoring, the calmest temperament, and the most captivating stage persona. His selections were insightful, showcasing his respect for the diverse skills within the PDC circuit.
The Unexpected Choice That Sparked Laughter
The moment of truth arrived when Cross was asked to choose the player with the ultimate ‘finishing’ ability – the crucial skill of hitting a double to win a leg. This is often where players might pick a legendary finisher like Phil Taylor or a current master like Michael van Gerwen. However, Rob Cross, with a twinkle in his eye and a confident smirk, gave an answer that immediately became a fan favorite:
“For finishing? I’ll go for myself!”
This candid and self-assured declaration was met with widespread amusement. It was a refreshing display of self-belief in a sport where humility is often expected. Cross, a former World Champion himself, clearly backs his own ability to hit those crucial doubles when it matters most.
What This Reveals About ‘Voltage’
Rob Cross’s humorous self-selection for the ‘finishing’ attribute isn’t just a funny anecdote; it offers a deeper insight into his personality and professional mindset:
- Unwavering Confidence: Despite facing the world’s best, Cross maintains a strong belief in his own capabilities, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- A Touch of Humour: It shows he doesn’t take himself too seriously and enjoys the lighter side of the game, endearing him to fans.
- Elite Mentality: To excel at the highest level of darts, an athlete must possess an almost unshakeable self-confidence. Cross’s comment perfectly encapsulates this.
Beyond the Hilarity: The Psychology of Elite Darters
The ‘perfect darter’ exercise, especially with moments like Rob Cross’s self-pick, highlights the intense psychological aspect of professional darts. Every player on the circuit believes they have what it takes to win, and this self-belief is a critical component of their success. Cross’s playful but firm assertion of his own finishing prowess serves as a reminder that at the elite level, confidence isn’t just a bonus – it’s a fundamental requirement.
It’s these moments of personality and genuine self-expression that add another layer of enjoyment to the sport, reminding us that behind every dart thrown is a unique individual with their own strengths, beliefs, and, occasionally, a hilarious self-assessment.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
