ROB CROSS has been beaten by world No225 Paolo Nebrida in the first round of the Bahrain Darts Masters.
The former world champion lost 6-3 as his opponent became the first ever Filipino to win on the World Series.
Paolo Nebrida made history in Bahrain
NEBRIDA SEES OFF CROSS!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 16, 2025
What a win for Paolo Nebrida as he creates a slice of history as the first Filipino to win on the World Series!
We're underway here in Bahrain with a shock in the opener 😱
📺 https://t.co/hHaJAJfFOa#WorldSeriesDarts pic.twitter.com/b4Z0YEAmxX
Cross, 34, hit two more 180s and recorded a higher average than Nebrida during the opening match of the tournament.
But he struggled on the doubles, missing the chance to wrap up legs 16 times.
Nebrida, 30, sealed the win in spectacular fashion by hitting the double top.
He coolly lifted his arm in celebration and embraced Cross as the two exchanged friendly words at the oche.
Nebrida came close to beating Michael Smith in Bahrain last year, losing 6-5.
The man nicknamed “Pow” became a fan’s favourite at the World Championship last month with a run to the third round.
Nebrida surprisingly beat Jim Williams and Ross Smith before crashing out to Jeffrey de Graaf.
On the other hand, this defeat is the latest low point for Cross, who is on a four-match losing run.
He was knocked out the World Championship by Scott Williams in his first match at Ally Pally.
The world No4 had previously suffered a 6-0 hammering to Luke Littler at the Players Championship Finals and a 16-11 defeat to Martin Lukeman at the Grand Slam.
Cross will be desperate to re-find his form soon as he has been named in the Premier League line-up again this year.
The weekly tournament begins in Belfast on February 6.
Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues
Night 1 – The SSE Arena, Belfast – Thursday February 6
Night 2 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow – Thursday February 13
Night 3 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday February 20
Night 4 – Westpoint Exeter – Thursday February 27
Night 5 – The Brighton Centre – Thursday March 6
Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 13
Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 20
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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