Rob Cross Ends Title Drought With Players Championship 22 Success In Wigan “It’s all about results, and to win this today is very special for me”
Rob Cross Ends Title Drought With Players Championship 22 Success In Wigan “It’s all about results, and to win this today is very special for me”
Rob Cross returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2026 on Wednesday, defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 8-5 to capture the Players Championship 22 title in Wigan and significantly strengthen his hopes of qualifying for next month’s World Matchplay.
The former World Champion produced a series of impressive displays throughout the day at the Robin Park Leisure Centre, winning seven consecutive matches to collect the £15,000 winner’s cheque and secure his first ranking title since claiming Players Championship 1 back in February 2025.
Cross’ triumph continues a remarkable streak that has now seen him win at least one ProTour title in every season since 2020, while his performance in Wigan also appears to have all but guaranteed his place in the World Matchplay field at the Winter Gardens next month.
A tournament average of 98.91 highlighted the consistency of the former world number two, who looked increasingly confident as the day progressed.
Reflecting on his success after lifting the trophy, Cross admitted he never doubted his ability to get over the line.
“I always thought I was going to win, and when I’m like that, usually I do win,” assessed Cross, who has won a ProTour title every year since 2020.
“I’ve had my trials and tribulations. I’ve got a lot going on at the minute. If I can get the best out of my capabilities I believe I can win every day, but sometimes mentally it can hold you back.
“Three months ago you look at the World Matchplay [race] and I’m out of it. I’m probably £15,000 adrift, but I managed to give myself a good kick up the backside.
“I know the World Matchplay is around the corner, and I love the World Matchplay. It’s all about results, and to win this today is very special for me.
“I’ve still got a great support behind me, and if I can carry on playing the way I am, I still think I’m dangerous to the top boys in the world.”
Cross began the day in commanding fashion, producing back-to-back 6-1 victories over Dutch pair Chris Landman and Jimmy van Schie. His performance against Van Schie was particularly eye-catching, averaging 103.43 to underline his early intentions.
The 35-year-old continued his march through the draw with a 6-2 success against Connor Scutt before delivering another dominant display against David Sharp in the last 16.
Cross dropped just a single leg in that contest while averaging 104.73, registering his second ton-plus average of the afternoon and booking his place in the quarter-finals.
His toughest test up to that point came against Alexander Merkx.
The Dutchman pushed Cross harder than any previous opponent, but the 2018 World Champion held firm to complete a 6-4 victory and move into the last four.
Waiting for him in the semi-finals was Stephen Bunting, who had enjoyed another strong run on the ProTour circuit.
What followed was arguably Cross’ best display of the day.
The former World Matchplay champion produced a string of spectacular finishes, taking out checkouts of 170, 127 and 130 to establish a 3-1 advantage. Despite Bunting averaging over 104 himself, Cross remained in complete control, producing his third ton-plus average of the tournament to secure his place in the final.
The title decider against Kuivenhoven began in competitive fashion, with the opening five legs all going with throw.
Cross then found the first breakthrough, producing a timely break to move 4-2 ahead and put himself in a strong position.
Although Kuivenhoven immediately responded with a break of his own, Cross took command during the middle stages of the contest.
A brilliant spell saw him reel off three consecutive legs, including a superb ten-darter, to move within touching distance of the title.
The Dutchman refused to surrender and capitalised when Cross missed four match darts in the following leg, keeping his hopes alive and reducing the deficit.
However, there would be no dramatic comeback.
Cross quickly regrouped and sealed victory at the second attempt, wrapping up an 8-5 success to celebrate his 11th Players Championship title and first trophy of the year.
While Cross took the headlines, it was also a memorable tournament for Kuivenhoven, who reached the first Players Championship final of his career.
The Dutchman produced a series of excellent displays throughout the day to reach the showpiece event.
Victories over Christian Kist and Alan Soutar got his campaign underway before he delivered one of his strongest performances of the tournament to defeat Rob Owen 6-2 and move into the last 16.
Kuivenhoven then continued his impressive run by overcoming Ryan Searle 6-3. Searle had produced two ton-plus averages in his opening three matches but was unable to halt the Dutchman’s momentum.
The 37-year-old followed that up with a notable quarter-final victory over world number three Gian van Veen before edging past Tom Bissell in a dramatic deciding-leg semi-final to secure his maiden appearance in a Players Championship final.
Bissell’s run was another major talking point in Wigan.
The Englishman climbed to 15th on this season’s Players Championship Order of Merit after reaching his fourth semi-final of 2026. Along the way, he defeated Charlie Manby, Cameron Menzies and Jonny Clayton to continue his impressive campaign.
Bunting also impressed despite falling short against Cross in the last four. The former Masters champion recorded victories over Kim Huybrechts and Andrew Gilding before seeing off Tommy Morris in the quarter-finals.
Morris, competing as a late replacement despite not holding a PDC Tour Card, enjoyed one of the best runs of his career. He averaged over 97 in all four of his victories and reached a maiden ProTour quarter-final.
Elsewhere, the quarter-final line-up was completed by Van Veen, Merkx and Gabriel Clemens.
Former World Championship semi-finalist Clemens was particularly impressive, conceding just four legs across his first four matches before eventually bowing out to Bissell.
There were also several notable early exits. Players Championship 21 semi-finalist Beau Greaves suffered a first-round defeat after running into an inspired display from Ritchie Edhouse, while fourth seed Luke Woodhouse was eliminated by Dennie Olde Kalter.
Attention now switches to European Tour action, with the inaugural Slovak Darts Open taking place in Bratislava from June 19-21.
Following that event, the race for World Matchplay qualification will reach its conclusion with the final two Players Championship events before Blackpool, with Players Championship 23 and 24 scheduled for Leicester on July 6-7.
Rob Cross Ends Title Drought With Players Championship 22 Success In Wigan
2026 Players Championship 22
Wednesday June 17
Robin Park Leisure Centre, Wigan
Last 16
Alexander Merkx 6-5 Cristo Reyes
Rob Cross 6-1 David Sharp
Tommy Morris 6-5 Cam Crabtree
Stephen Bunting 6-2 Andrew Gilding
Gabriel Clemens 6-1 Mickey Mansell
Tom Bissell 6-5 Jonny Clayton
Gian van Veen 6-5 Adam Leek
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 Ryan Searle
Quarter-Finals
Rob Cross 6-4 Alexander Merkx
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Tommy Morris
Tom Bissell 6-5 Gabriel Clemens
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 Gian van Veen
Semi-Final
Rob Cross 7-3 Stephen Bunting
Maik Kuivenhoven 7-6 Tom Bissell
Final
Rob Cross 8-5 Maik Kuivenhoven
