Unbelievable! Rob Cross Achieves Darts Perfection at Euro Tour Qualifiers
Darts fans witnessed a moment of pure brilliance as former World Champion Rob Cross achieved a flawless nine-dart finish during the Euro Tour Qualifiers in Hildesheim. This incredible feat, one of the rarest and most celebrated achievements in professional darts, saw Cross hit the perfect sequence of throws to win a leg in the minimum possible number of darts, immediately setting the tone for the 2026 season’s race for the prestigious PDC Nine-Dart Club.
The excitement unfolded during the Tour Card Holder Qualifiers for the first two Euro Tour events of the year (ET1-2), held in Hildesheim. “Voltage” Rob Cross, known for his electrifying performances, kicked off his opening-round match against Spanish opponent Cristo Reyes in the ET1 Qualifier with an astonishing display of precision, hitting the perfect nine-dart sequence right at the start.
What is a Nine-Darter? The Pinnacle of Darts Skill
For those new to the sport, a nine-darter is darts’ equivalent of a perfect game in baseball or a 147 break in snooker. It means a player completes a leg (starting from 501 points) in the absolute minimum of nine darts. This requires incredible accuracy and strategic thinking.
There are several common ways to achieve a nine-darter, but they all involve hitting specific high-scoring triples and a double to finish. A typical sequence, for instance, might be:
- Three Triple 20s (60 x 3 = 180 points)
- Three Triple 20s (60 x 3 = 180 points)
- Two Triple 20s and a Double 12 (60 x 2 + 24 = 144 points, totaling 504. A Double 12 would be needed for a 501 finish, e.g., T20, T19, D12 for 141 or T20, T17, D18 for 141. Cross would have finished with 141, for example, T20, T19, D12, or T20, T17, D18, or T18, T17, D18.)
Cross’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it came at the very start of his qualification campaign, showcasing his top form from the outset of the 2026 season. This perfect start immediately boosted his confidence and sent a strong message to his competitors.
The Race for the PDC Nine-Dart Club 2026
Each year, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) acknowledges players who achieve this rare feat by inducting them into the “PDC Nine-Dart Club.” This club is a testament to the highest level of skill and consistency in the sport. Rob Cross’s nine-darter is the first significant entry for the 2026 season, immediately putting him in contention for this exclusive recognition.
His perfect start to the Euro Tour Qualifiers not only secured him a memorable victory in that leg but also set an exciting precedent for the upcoming darts season. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who else can join Cross in the prestigious Nine-Dart Club as the 2026 season unfolds, hoping for more moments of darts perfection.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
