Rob Cross Wins Against Top Seed Gian van Veen

Rob Cross beat top seed Gian van Veen 6-3 at the Slovak Darts Open 2026.

The match took place on Saturday night in Bratislava.

Cross started strong, breaking for a 2-1 lead and keeping Van Veen at arm’s length.

Van Veen had chances to make the match tighter, including missed darts at double 16 and double 8.

A ruthless triple 16, double 18 combination helped Cross hold for 4-2.

He eventually sealed the win with a clinical two-dart 76 finish.

The win adds another major result to Cross's record, as he advances to the next round.

Michael van Gerwen also reached the last 16, though his route was less convincing.

Van Gerwen led Krzysztof Ratajski 4-1, only for the Polish thrower to fight back.

Cameron Menzies delivered a standout performance, thrashing Gerwyn Price 6-2 with a 106 average.

Menzies opened with an early break, took out 144 for a 2-0 lead, and repeatedly battered Price's throw.

Tom Sykes backed up his superb European Tour debut by knocking out Martin Schindler 6-5.

Ryan Joyce came through a deciding leg, beating Jonny Clayton 6-5 after surviving a fierce fightback.