Rob Cross has produced arguably the greatest comeback in the history of darts, coming from 4-0 down in sets to defeat Chris Dobey 5-4 in an epic World Championship quarter-final at Alexandra Palace.
It was expected that the two English players would produce a top class match, with both players having been in stellar form throughout this tournament. Despite being the lower seed, Dobey was the favourite in many people's eyes due to his incredible showings over the first few rounds.
That favourites tag was more than justified in the first half of the match.
He was in ridiculous form, producing some incredible finished en route to racing into a 4-0 lead.
DAZZLING FROM DOBEY! 🔥
That is SENSATIONAL! 👏
Chris Dobey produces a magnificent 161 checkout on the bull to make it SEVEN legs without reply!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | QF pic.twitter.com/yU6b8D1j8j— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
Rob Cross looked incredibly frustrated at this point, and considering the performance of Dobey, nobody could have predicted what was to come next.
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Rob Cross completes 'greatest comeback in darts history'
Rob Cross would reel off the next couple of sets to get back into the contest, although Dobey remained the heavy favourite at this stage.
CROSS GETS ANOTHER ONE BACK!
Rob Cross is battling away bravely here!
Chris Dobey lost his range in set six, and Cross capitalises to double his tally and keep his hopes alive!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | QF pic.twitter.com/WfgBexY6MW— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
However, the 2018 world champion would quickly find himself back on level terms.
WE'RE LEVEL!
THIS IS ASTONISHING!
Rob Cross has come back off the canvas from 4-0 down to force a ninth and deciding set!
What a fightback!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | QF pic.twitter.com/RPOV2smX3s— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
You might have expected Dobey to crumble at this point, although he battled back bravely in the final set.
It would go all the way to sudden death, although Rob Cross would eventually complete the comeback by securing the victory.
CROSS COMPLETES A DARTING MIRACLE!!! 😱
One of the greatest comebacks of ALL-TIME as Rob Cross comes from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey and reach the Semi-Finals!
Truly sensational from the 2018 Champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/iZQRYn3283— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
Absolutely sensational.
While appearing on commentary duties on Sky Sports, two-time world champion John Part would label this as arguably 'the greatest comeback in the history of darts'.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Rob Cross said he always felt he was capable of coming back despite at one point being 4-0 down.
"I'm not going to swear, but I've got nerves of steel" 😅
Rob Cross reacts to that thrilling comeback win over Chris Dobey 👇 pic.twitter.com/WEpuYnDgcs— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2024
The Englishman entered this tournament as one of the most hotly tipped players, having shown some brilliant form throughout 2023.
On the back of this comeback, few would bet against Rob Cross going all the way and regaining the trophy that he first won as a debutant six years ago.
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