Rob Cross, nicknamed “Voltage,” has dramatically ended his nearly year-long wait for a ranking title, triumphing at Players Championship 22 in Wigan. His impressive 8-5 victory over the determined Maik Kuivenhoven not only secured the £15,000 top prize but also significantly boosted his chances of qualifying for July’s prestigious World Matchplay. For Kuivenhoven, it was a landmark moment, reaching his first-ever Players Championship final after years of consistent effort on the tour.
Rob Cross’s Resurgent Path to Victory
The 2017/18 World Champion, Rob Cross, displayed exceptional form throughout the Players Championship 22, held at the Robin Park Leisure Centre. This victory marks his first ranking title since the opening Players Championship event of 2025, signaling a strong return to form. His tournament average of 98.91 across seven matches underscored his consistent performance, almost certainly guaranteeing his spot in the highly anticipated World Matchplay.
A Dominant Run Through the Rounds
- He began with two emphatic 6-1 wins against Chris Landman and Jimmy van Schie, including a stunning 103.43 average against Van Schie.
- A convincing 6-2 victory over Connor Scutt followed.
- His best performance of the day came in a 6-2 win against David Sharp, where he averaged an outstanding 104.73 to reach the quarter-finals.
- In the quarter-finals, he faced a tougher challenge but overcame Alexander Merkx 6-4.
- The semi-final clash against Stephen Bunting was a high-quality affair, with both players averaging over 102. Cross emerged victorious with a 7-3 scoreline, setting up the final against Maik Kuivenhoven.
The Nail-Biting Final: Cross vs. Kuivenhoven
The championship match against Dutch challenger Maik Kuivenhoven proved to be a gripping contest. Cross made the first significant move, breaking Kuivenhoven’s throw to establish a 4-2 lead. However, Kuivenhoven immediately broke back, showcasing his resilience. The turning point saw Cross unleash a crucial three-leg burst, which included a brilliant 10-dart leg, bringing him to the verge of victory. Despite missing four match darts, Cross recovered his composure to seal an 8-5 win, securing his 11th career Players Championship title.
Cross Reflects on His Triumphant Return
A visibly buoyant Rob Cross shared his thoughts after extending his impressive streak of winning a Pro Tour title every year since 2020:
“I always thought I was going to win, and when I’m like that, usually I do win,” Cross stated, acknowledging the mental aspect of the game. “I’ve had my trials and tribulations. I’ve got a lot going on at the minute. If I can get the best out of my capabilities, I believe I can win every day, but sometimes mentally it can hold you back.”
He also highlighted the importance of this win for his World Matchplay aspirations: “Three months ago you look at the World Matchplay [race] and I’m out of it… I managed to give myself a good kick up the backside. I know the World Matchplay is around the corner, and I love the World Matchplay. It’s all about results, and to win this today is very special for me.”
Cross concluded with a confident message to his rivals: “I’ve still got great support behind me, and if I can carry on playing the way I am, I still think I’m dangerous to the top boys in the world.”
Maik Kuivenhoven’s Historic Journey to His First Final
While the trophy went to Cross, Maik Kuivenhoven had ample reason to celebrate. The veteran dart player made history by reaching his maiden Players Championship final after an incredible 228 attempts since gaining his PDC Tour Card in 2019. His consistent presence on the tour finally culminated in a well-deserved final appearance.
Kuivenhoven’s Road to the Final
- He secured back-to-back 6-3 wins over Christian Kist and Alan Soutar.
- A commanding 6-2 victory against Rob Owen propelled him into the Last 16.
- He then pulled off a shock 6-3 triumph over Ryan Searle, who had shown strong form with two ton-plus averages.
- In the quarter-finals, he dispatched world number three Gian van Veen with the same 6-3 scoreline.
- His semi-final against Tom Bissell was a thriller, decided by a narrow 7-6 victory in the deciding leg.
Other Tournament Highlights
Beyond the finalists, several other players made their mark:
- Tom Bissell continued his strong season, reaching his fourth semi-final of 2026. His impressive run included eliminating notable players like Charlie Manby, Cameron Menzies, and Jonny Clayton.
- The quarter-finalists included strong contenders such as Stephen Bunting, Tommy Morris, and Gabriel Clemens.
- Connor Scutt delivered a memorable performance in the second round, achieving an astounding 105.9 average in his blistering win over Kevin Doets.
- The tournament also saw some early upsets, with Players Championship 21 semi-finalist Beau Greaves falling to Ritchie Edhouse, and fourth seed Luke Woodhouse being knocked out by Dennie Olde Kalter.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Matchplay
The Pro Tour continues with the inaugural Slovak Darts Open from June 19-21 in Bratislava. Following this, players will have their final opportunity to secure a coveted spot in the 2026 World Matchplay at PDC Players Championship 23 & 24, taking place in Leicester from July 6-7. Rob Cross’s recent victory puts him in a strong position, but the fight for qualification remains intense.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
