Cross clinches third major title at the European Championship

Rob Cross secured his second major title of the season and third in total at the 2019 European Championship with an 11-6 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final in Gottingen.

Cross, who opened his account at the 2018 World Championship before adding the World Matchplay trophy this summer, continued his remarkable rise by clinching the £120,000 top prize at the Lokhalle in Germany.

The world number two kick-started his career by reaching the final of this event on his debut two years ago, but went one better at the third time of asking as he punished a below-par Price in the final.

“In fairness to Gerwyn he wasn’t his normal self in the final but I’m delighted to walk away with this title,” said Cross.

“I’m here to be number one in the world. I don’t play to make up the numbers and I believe I will be number one at some point.

“It’s also another learning experience for me, they’re long gruelling days and I’m happy to prove that I can win matches with a C or B game now.

“I’m playing great, I’m having to dig deep at times and I’m more feeling like myself. It’s amazing and it’s everything I wanted it to be.”

Cross began the final day by defeating first-time quarter-finalist Ricky Evans 10-6, before edging out Daryl Gurney 11-9 in a hard-fought opening Semi-Final.

Cross, who appeared the fresher of the two players in the final, started strongly by establishing a 3-1 lead before Price took out 100 to close the gap.

Price’s frustrations began to mount as he failed to hit the heights from earlier in the day and watched Cross storm further clear at 7-3.

The Welshman stopped the rot with a 72 finish in leg 11 but failed to make further inroads as ‘Voltage’ surged closer to the winning line at 9-5.

A missed dart at the bull from Cross allowed Price to reduce the deficit, but a fourth 180 and double eight moved the Englishman to the verge of victory – which he wasted no time in sealing with a 13-darter on tops in the following leg.

Price, appearing in his third televised singles final, revealed his frustration at the crowd’s apparent lack of order towards him, admitting: “I had about 800 other opponents, so well done, fair play.”

The reigning Grand Slam champion overcame a resurgent Vincent van der Voort 10-8 in the Quarter-Finals before seeing off Michael Smith 11-7 in the Semi-Finals.

Sunday October 27

Quarter-Finals

Afternoon Session

Rob Cross 10-6 Ricky Evans

Daryl Gurney 10-5 Dave Chisnall

Michael Smith 10-5 Jeffrey de Zwaan

Gerwyn Price 10-8 Vincent van der Voort

Evening Session

Semi-Finals

Rob Cross 11-9 Daryl Gurney

Michael Smith 7-11 Gerwyn Price

Final

Rob Cross 11-6 Gerwyn Price