ROB CROSS admits he is in counselling as he opens up on a long-running personal struggle away from darts.
‘Voltage’ dispatched Ryan Searle 3-1 to reach round two of the Winmau World Masters.
But the former world champion revealed he is in a “transition” after years of putting up a front.
Cross insists the issues he is addressing are not tungsten-related and believes improving his life away from the oche will allow his game to follow.
He said: “I’ve changed a lot of stuff. I think I’m in a transition at the minute to get myself where I want to be.
“I’m in counselling and other stuff — I’ll admit that. That’s something I’ve never done.
“I’ve always probably been scared of that at times. I never wanted to talk about my life. It was more put a wall up, put a front up and carry on.
“I’m about two or three weeks in at the minute and I’ll carry on with it.
“I feel like it’s doing something, but it’s got to start somewhere. It’s probably nowhere near where I want it yet, but why not? I’ve got time.
“No Premier League, no World Series really. That just gives me time to try and sort myself and work on myself.”
Cross says addressing his mental health is crucial to moving forward and has encouraged others to seek support if they need it.
He added: “Old-fashioned people never spoke about anything.
“Times have changed now. If you’re feeling that way, the most important thing is that you’re OK. If it means going to talk to people, even if you don’t feel comfortable, I’d highly recommend it.
“It’s took me years to get to this point. Now I’ve got time, I’m going to use it. And if it doesn’t work, at least I’ve tried everything.
“I’ve lived a sheltered life in eight years of playing darts.
“I felt like I had a duty as world champion to front everything, instead of looking after myself.
“Now I look at myself and it feels like a road to redemption, really.
“My personal goals are all on me at the minute.
“I like a routine, and I haven’t had one for a long time. I’m working hard on getting that back while doing this other thing as well.
“Hopefully I can find a bit of common ground.”
World No.20 Cross now faces Josh Rock in the second round and is focused on his own mindset rather than the noise around him.
He continued: “I try not to listen to pundits. If I feel alright, I can beat anyone in the tournament.
“If I don’t, then it’s back to square one. It’s about enjoying life and worrying about myself instead of everything else.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
