Luke Littler's mentality summed up by Rob Cross with ominous five-word claim
Luke Littler will make his double-in debut in Leicester at the World Grand Prix and has been handed some words of encouragement by his opponent Rob Cross.
Rob Cross has claimed Luke Littler “eats pressure for breakfast” as the two prepare to face off at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Voltage was a crucial figure in Littler's rise to fame, putting up a valiant but fruitless 6-2 performance against the then-16-year-old in their World Championship semi-final earlier this year – days before Luke Humphries would squash The Nuke in the final.
Cross himself undertook a similarly rapid rise to Littler during his own debut at Alexandra Palace in 2018. The former electrician went one better than the teenager, winning the famous Sid Waddell Trophy by defeat Phil Taylor in the final in the Power's final ever match with the PDC.
Now, Littler and Cross meet again, having clashed in the Premier League, Euro Tour and World Series already this season. Cross – who has only bested the teenager once - took the opportunity to not just praise his young opponent but issue a challenge to him.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Nothing worries Luke at all. He eats pressure for breakfast,” Cross admitted. “The boy has been amazing for the game. He’s a really good lad and we’ve practiced a lot this year in the Premier League.
“Somewhere deep down, he will know that all eyes are on him, but he deals with it so well. When he decides to turn up the heat you need a fire extinguisher to put him out!
“I think that’s what is so impressive about him. He’s a great darts player, yep, we all know that. But it’s the pressure that he copes with so amazingly and that’s what makes him so dangerous. He’s red-hot on stage but handles it so cool. He’s a great kid and will take some stopping for years to come.”
However, Cross is still supremely confident he can get the job done against The Nuke, with the winner playing either Brendan Dolan or in-form Martin Schindler in the second round of the double-in tournament.
“My only job right now is to stop him on Monday,” Cross added. “I know I can do that. I’ve got a great team around me these days. I’ve got a great manager in Rab Bain, I’m enjoying the game and that makes me play my best stuff.
“I’m definitely not threatened by him at all, but seriously it’s a really tough draw for me. But I know I have the game to do what it takes. My own Grand Prix history isn’t great, but that will change. That’s been happening more consistently. Now, I need to find an extra level against Luke. Bring it on.”
