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Rob Cross breaks silence over rude gesture during World Darts Championship match

Daily Star 1 day ago

Former world champion Rob Cross has apologised for a lewd gesture that was caught on camera during his World Darts Championship defeat to Scott Williams

Darts star Rob Cross
Rob Cross went out of the World Championships on Monday (December 23)

Rob Cross has issued an apology for a lewd gesture he made during his loss to friend Scott Williams at the World Darts Championship on Monday, in a bid to avoid disciplinary action from the Darts Regulation Authority.

The 2018 world champion suffered a 3-1 defeat to Williams in the second round, becoming the 14th seeded player to exit the competition early, joining the likes of Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall, James Wade, Gian van Even, and Raymond van Barneveld.

However, Cross, 34, may face consequences for appearing to mimic a sexual act during his loss, which was captured live on camera during Sky Sports' broadcast. Addressing both his defeat and the incident on social media, Cross stated: "Massively disappointed to lose out to my friend Scott Williams. Good luck to him for the rest of the tournament.

"I made a gesture to my manager about how annoyed I was with my performance. If it offended anyone, I apologise. Merry Christmas."

Rob Cross makes a lewd gesture
Rob Cross has now explained why he made this gesture

Williams is set to face Germany's Ricardo Pietreczko in the third round and expressed confidence in his chances, saying: "It's so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends" after defeating Cross.

Williams said: "Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you've got to take it. I'm always confident, regardless of who I'm playing, but I'm just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.", reports the Mirror.

Williams was a semi-finalist in the previous year's competition, ultimately losing to champion Luke Humphries. Notably, he tends to excel in major tournaments.

Prior to the event, he remarked: "People have joked, calling me the Michael Buble of darts because I only turn up in October, November and December! Over the last couple of years, that is about right."

"I want to try and change that next year by getting into a couple more TV events, just to take my game to the next level. It's about finding consistency with my practice."

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