Full Breakdown
PDC World Championship: Rob Cross and Gary Anderson Advance to Last 16
12/28/2025, 9:07:04 PM
Key Matches and Performances
At the PDC World Championship, former champion Rob Cross secured a decisive victory, defeating Australian 16th seed Damon Heta with a commanding 4-0 scoreline. This win sets up a highly anticipated last-16 clash against defending champion Luke Littler. Cross, who previously won the tournament in 2018, demonstrated his skill and composure throughout the match.
Joining Cross in the fourth round is two-time champion Gary Anderson, who triumphed in a thrilling encounter against Dutchman Gary Wattimena. Anderson initially took a 3-1 lead in the match, showcasing impressive form with an average of 121 in the third set. However, he faced challenges in the fourth set, where he missed three match darts, allowing Wattimena to mount a comeback and force a final set. Despite the pressure, Anderson ultimately prevailed, winning the final set 5-3 and maintaining his pursuit to become the tournament's oldest winner at age 55. He finished the match with an average of 102.24 and a checkout success rate of 37.5%.
Official Statements & Responses
After his match, Anderson reflected on the challenges he faced, stating, "It's no good for my age. It's hard, especially with Jermaine on you. What a game." He acknowledged the difficulty of the match and expressed relief at securing the win, despite his struggles with doubles.
Additional Highlights
In another notable match, 20th seed Ryan Searle advanced to the fourth round for the first time since 2021, achieving a 4-0 victory over Germany's Martin Schindler. This performance highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and the potential for upsets as the championship progresses.
What's Next
As the tournament continues, fans can look forward to the upcoming matches, particularly the clash between Rob Cross and Luke Littler, which promises to be a highlight of the last-16 round. The performances of seasoned players like Gary Anderson and emerging talents such as Ryan Searle will be closely watched as the championship unfolds.
