Sport
Rob Cross ‘so proud’ of darts response to Coronavirus
Rob Cross admits he is “so proud” of his sport for being so caring during the coronavirus crisis. The 2018 World Champion revealed he’s been blown away by all the incredible efforts of players and bosses during the Covid-19 lockdown.
29-year-old Rob Cross has been sticking to Government guidelines at home with pregnant wife Georgia and their three kids but has admiration of so much innovation with the arrows.
He said: “Obviously it’s such a worrying time for everyone. We need to be very careful because Georgia is classed as vulnerable because she’s pregnant. It’s a time when everyone has to look out for their family and older members of the family, and we are no different from anyone. That has been our priority.”
“At this moment nothing is more important than staying safe and healthy. The NHS and carers are doing such an amazing job. Right now the world realises which people are the most important with your family and who does the most important jobs, and that’s our healthcare workers.”
“It’s only right that so much is being done to show our appreciation. It’s emotional to see the Thursday night Clap For Carers.”
Rob Coss added: “I have to say I’m also so proud of darts for the events being done by people to raise money. My partner for England in the World Cup, Michael Smith, has been doing stuff on social media for money to donate to the NHS.”
“Target Darts and Paddy Power are setting up a special Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld match on social media for charity. Target have been working really hard to keep darts going in new ways with their Nexus online set-up.”
“It’s also brilliant that the PDC and PDPA are making sure the players are looked after. I feel very lucky to be in an OK position financially. But some of the players outside the top 32 might be really struggling. The announcement made by the PDPA and PDC to support any player that needs it was a great gesture.”
“Darts has got some of the best people in sport at the very top in Barry Hearn and Matt Porter, they do an incredible job and they’ve stood up to be counted when it’s been needed. But it just goes to show in times like this who else shows their true colours and it’s great to see the likes of Michael Smith do so much.”
“Worryingly he hit a nine-darter on live stream and six successive bullseyes, so clearly he’s on form so I’m kind of glad I’m not playing him in the Premier League this week!”
Rob Cross has been keeping himself busy using his JCB digger in the garden at his home in Sussex while enjoying unexpected time with the kids.
He added: “Since qualifying for the UK Open three years ago, my life has been a total whirlwind with darts. It feels like I’ve not stood still for five minutes. So to suddenly get so much time at home is in some ways a massive luxury.”
“It’s fantastic to get so much quality time with the kids, doing home schooling and getting to make dinner with them. I’ve also been out in the garden on my digger. I didn’t think I’d get that chance for years, so I’m making the most of this time and put it to good use.”
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