5 hours Ago By Charlie Gordon
Rob Cross claims there was no intimidation factor when he drew Luke Littler in the first round of the World Grand Prix. The world No 4 'was not bothered' when he found out he would be playing 'The Nuke' in Leicester as he felt the fate of the match was always going to be about what he himself brought to the table. Despite historically faring poorly at the tournament, Cross dug out a huge result to win 2-1 in sets, holding his nerve in the deciding third and hitting a bullseye to finish after Littler had levelled up the scores.
After the match, Cross dismissed notions of fear in facing Littler when asked about his reaction to the draw. "I don't want to be rude to him because I think he's phenomenal. But I wasn't too bothered," he said.
"If anything, I'd rather it had been a straight format (rather than double start) because at least I could offer a little bit more. All about me, really. I didn't know which version of me was going to turn up.
Based on the last few years it might not have been a good version. I enjoyed it a little bit more towards the end and hit my checkouts. Hopefully that stays for the rest of the week.
" Cross, who has never progressed beyond the last 16 of the World Grand Prix, will play Martin Schindler in the second round on Wednesday. Despite knocking Littler down a peg, the 34-year-old also shared some classy words of encouragement for the teenager. "He's on the crest of a wave still and playing brilliantly all year," Cross continued.
"He's picked up trophies regularly. Luke has been different class all year and has beaten me more and he'll be back, that's for sure. "This is a great win and well overdue in the Grand Prix.
But it's up to me to keep it going. This win means nothing unless I get on a decent run and go all the way." Littler now has time to rest and recuperate before returning to the oche at the Players Championship events next week.
He wrote on X : "Debut didn't go to plan as I would have liked but overall I enjoyed my performance. Fair play to Rob, week off now and back to it in Wigan for PC 27/28.".
