Rob Cross captured his first ranking title of 2026 on 17 June, defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 8‑5 in the Players Championship 22 final at Robin Park Leisure Centre, Wigan. The win handed Cross the £15,000 top prize and effectively booked his place at the upcoming World Matchplay.
What happened?
Cross entered the tournament unbeaten in his first‑round matches, posting 6‑1 victories over Chris Landman and Jimmy van Schie. He kept the momentum, beating Connor Scutt 6‑2 and David Sharp 6‑1, the latter with a 104.73 average. In the quarter‑finals he edged Alexander Merkx 6‑4, his tightest contest of the day, before out‑scoring Stephen Bunting 6‑3 in the semi‑finals.
The final saw Cross start strong, taking five of the first six legs. Kuivenhoven fought back to 4‑4, but Cross responded with a three‑leg run that included a dazzling 10‑dart finish, pulling ahead 7‑5. Kuivenhoven managed a late surge, yet Cross sealed the match at 8‑5, earning his 11th Players Championship crown.
Why it matters for Rob Cross
The victory ends a 12‑month title drought; Cross hadn’t won a ranking event since the opening Players Championship of 2025. More importantly, his 98.91 tournament average and consistent high scoring signal a return to the form that made him a two‑time European champion. "I always thought I was going to win, and when I'm like that, usually I do win," Cross said after the match, underscoring his belief in his own rhythm.
Securing the £15,000 prize also eases the financial pressure he mentioned three months earlier, when he was reportedly £15,000 in the red. The win gives him confidence heading into the World Matchplay in July, a tournament he has historically performed well in.
Who else shone?
Kuivenhoven made his first Players Championship final, a career milestone despite the loss. In the earlier rounds, Dutchman Alexander Merkx pushed Cross to a 6‑4 win, showing the depth of talent on the ProTour. Stephen Bunting’s three high checkouts – 170, 127 and 130 – highlighted his finishing prowess, even though he fell short.
What comes next?
With the Wigan triumph, Cross now focuses on the World Matchplay, set to begin in early July. His recent form suggests he could be a serious contender, especially after posting three ton‑plus averages in the tournament. The next few weeks will see him fine‑tuning his practice routine and managing the mental side of the game, which he admitted can sometimes hold him back.
Fans can catch his World Matchplay campaign live on Sky Sports or via the NOW streaming service. If Cross maintains the level displayed in Wigan, the darts world may see another title added to his résumé before the season ends.