Rob Cross summed up in 10-word comment after Luke Littler and Luke Humphries' big paydays

Rob Cross has admitted he is still determined to grab the World No.1 spot despite a financial chasm between him, and Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. Cross, 35, won the World Championship on his first attempt in 2018, the 2019 World Matchplay Championship and two European Championship titles.

However, Electric is significantly behind the two Lukes, whose earnings on the PDC Order of Merit are more than treble what he has amassed. Humphries still sits at the top of the PDC tree with winnings of £1,684,750, and Littler is on his coat tails with £1,545,500.

Nevertheless, Cross, who is No.7 with £509,750, is not intimidated by the two global stars of darts. He believes he can make up the huge ground separating himself and the England World Cup duo, starting with this week's World Grand Prix.

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Speaking to SportsBoom, Cross, when asked about the importance of being the No.1 in the world, responded with a sharp 10-word comment. He said: "If you can't be number one, then what's the point?"

He added: "I think the only thing that matters in the game is getting to number one, and if you can't be number one, then what's the point?

"You're just making the numbers up, aren't you? That number one... it's sort of crucial. It's important. It's the biggest thing.

"But that number one, it does matter. You could be eight, you could be ten, you could be 15, who cares? You are not the best at your trade.

"So go in there, work a little bit harder, get what you want. It's just a number. It's a kettle market unless you're number one."

When asked if he believes he can dethrone the two Lukes, he added: "Yeah, I still think so. I keep paying all these people to sort me head out, and there's no one there so they can't sort it out.

"I'm sure I'll keep trying, but look, I always try. I'll go out there, I'll wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm my own kryptonite really sometimes because I can put a lot on myself like I did tonight."

Cross moved into the next round of the World Grand Prix with an impressive victory over dangerous Dutchman Wessel Nijman. Despite failing to hit a 180, Cross overcame Nijman in the unique double in, double out format by recording an impressive 53 per cent hit rate on his doubles - while also averaging 81.73.

Meanwhile, Humphries navigated his own tricky draw by beating Nathan Aspinall 2-0. The 2024 World Champion was impressive against the Asp, who hit a 170 in the second game.