Rob Cross was left to regret his comments about Luke Littler (Image: Getty)
was left stunned by incredible comeback at the after dismissing the world champion’s recent problems.
Littler had experienced some patchy form of late following his maiden World Championship victory in January.
The 18-year-old crashed out of the Players Championship 1 to Joe Cullen before losing to Gerwyn Price the following day in Wigan.
But The Nuke returned to winning ways against Cross in Glasgow, bouncing back from 5-1 down to somehow end up with a 6-5 victory over Cross.
It represented a missed opportunity after Littler couldn’t get going early on, with Cross squandering three match darts.
And the 34-year-old would live to regret his comments prior to the clash, where he cast doubt on the teenager’s recent issues.
“You tell me over the last year how many problems the boy’s had? He’s not really had a lot, has he?” Cross said.
“So I think you’d be naive to think that it’s going to affect him massively.
Luke Littler came from 5-1 down to beat Rob Cross 6-5 (Image: Getty)
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“He will have a target on his back now more so, obviously being World Champion. I think that’s a big thing in the game.
“But he’s still playing great. He showed that and I think he’ll carry on. Why not? The game’s in a good place, he’s still playing very well.
“He’s losing with big averages and sometimes you’ve just got to be patient and wait for the wins.”
Cross’ comments came before he crumbled on the big stage in front of the Scottish crowd, who brutally booed the 34-year-old with a clear preference for Littler’s play.
Luke Littler finished on a high with a three-dart average of over 100 (Image: Getty)
The turning point in the match came when Cross needed 117 to clinch the win. After landing two darts, he required only 20 – but a smattering of boos appeared to unsettle him and he aimed too low.
Littler took full advantage by hitting his trademark double 10 and from there, the world No.2 never looked back. He threw 180s in the next two legs, but couldn’t stop Cross lining up the match darts for a double 18. However, he missed his mark and more boos filtered out.
Littler showed no signs of nerves, starting the deciding leg with another 180. He checked out 88 with a 12-darter to leave Cross in his rear mirror and consign his elder rival to a stunning defeat.
He will face Michael van Gerwen in the next round as he looks to get his first night victory in Scotland.