Rob Cross won an instant Alexandra Palace classic (Picture: Getty Images)
Rob Cross produced an outstanding comeback to beat Chris Dobey 5-4 from 0-4 behind and reach the World Darts Championship semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.
Dobey was continuing the incredible form he had shown all tournament over the first four sets as he powered into a huge lead.
Cross managed to stop the rot, but the task looked far too big for anyone with Hollywood playing so well and with such a substantial buffer.
However, the 2018 world champion continued to get stronger and the doubts crept into Dobey’s mind, looking notably weaker as his opponent closed the gap.
Hollywood missed a dart at bullseye to win the match but that was as close as he came as Cross eventually got into the semis, winning 5-3 in the ninth set, with a seemingly nerveless 70 finish in two darts.
The finishing of Cross was sublime, ending the game having hit 57 per cent of his doubles, while his average was a brilliant 100.7.
Voltage has done similar to Hollywood in the past, beating Dobey 11-9 from 8-2 down at the World Matchplay in 2022, but asked if this comeback topped that one in Blackpool, he was certain.
‘100 per cent,’ Cross told Sky Sports. ‘4-0 down, I’ve not really played. I missed a couple of chances early, I didn’t really feel like myself but I just pushed on. Credit to Chris, how good was he early? That 161 really gave me a kick in the mouth.
Chris Dobey looked set for his first World Championship semi-final (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It’s all about me. I still believe even when I’m 4-0 down. I had one of the greatest comebacks against Chris in the Matchplay, might as well make it the Worlds now. But credit to him, he’s an amazing player. He’ll come again.
‘I’m not going to swear, but I’ve got nerves of steel, that’s a better one.
‘Head down now. Got away with one today and it can’t happen again tomorrow.’
Cross has guaranteed himself £100,000 and booked himself a place in the semi-finals against either 16-year-old Luke Littler or veteran Brendan Dolan.
MORE : Luke Littler eyeing World Darts Championship title after classic Alexandra Palace night
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Five sets on the spin from the brink of defeat.