Rivalries run deep in darts, and Rob Cross proved just how far he's willing to go in holding a grudge at the recent European Open.
That's after 'Voltage' spurned one fan's plea to ink his name on a shirt showcasing Michael van Gerwen's trademark lime green on his way to the oche. Cross was enjoying his walk-on ahead of a quarter-final clash against home favourite Ricardo Pietreczko when he received the request.
The supporter in question was left disappointed after hopefully holding a pen aloft while pulling his polo ready for a memento, but Cross quickly crushed any such chance. "Nah, nah, nah," said the 2018 world champion. "I won’t sign that s***."
The 32-year-old went on to edge Pietreczko 6-5 and advance to the last four of the European Darts Open, where he was ousted by eventual runner-up Dirk van Duijvenbode. Welsh star Gerwyn Price emerged as champion in the latest leg of the European Tour, while Voltage continues to search for his maiden win on the series.
The Kent native may have been in a more giving mood had it been anyone but Van Gerwen's colours he was asked to sign. That's considering the recent drama that developed after Cross beat 'MVG' 10-7 in the Masters quarter-finals earlier this year.
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''Do you know why it is that the PDC didn't choose him for the Premier League? It's because the PDC also thinks he's a boring player," Van Gerwen said of his PDC peer following the January defeat. "You either have that or you don't. Either you're a player with character, or you're not. He just doesn't have it. That silly laughing and acting."
It's little wonder Voltage wasn't buzzing at the sight of Van Gerwen's usual green get-up given those remarks. The Dutchman himself was present in the Leverkusen leg of the European Tour but suffered a 6-4 defeat to eventual winner Price in the last eight.
It's worth noting Van Gerwen did also refer to Cross as "a fantastic player" in the same breath that he made in his January jab at Cross. However, it's likely the bit about him being 'boring' is what will stick in the mind, and understandably so for a player who has struggled with his confidence since winning the biggest prize in darts five years ago.
Three-time world champion MVG has said the signature green is 'part of him' after becoming known throughout the sport for his garish choice of threads. Cross clearly isn't an admirer, however, and doesn't appear set to join the fan club anytime soon.
