Rob Cross has shown his class after suffering defeat in the final of the Belgian Darts Open against teenage sensation Luke Littler.
The 2018 world champion has labelled his opponent 'special' and 'incredible' after losing in the deciding leg of Sunday's match in Wieze.
Littler beat Cross in their first two meetings earlier this year before the latter got some revenge on night five in the Premier League.
The pair locked horns for a fourth time in 2024 at the weekend and it was the 17-year-old who came out on top in thrilling fashion.
Rob Cross showed his class with his comments on Luke Littler after Sunday's final
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Littler hit his third nine-darter of the year to send the crowd wild and move into a 6-5 lead.
Cross was seen clapping in the background as Littler celebrated yet another perfect leg.
But the 33-year-old bounced back and won the next two legs to put himself on the brink of victory.
Littler showed great character and determination to stay in the match and take it to a decider before seeing off Cross to win 8-7.
Cross, a well-liked player on the darts circuit, showed his class in his post-match interview.
He said: "I wanted a big display and I got a big display. I missed a few chances but I can't be bitter about them.
"Luke is special, he has such a bright future in front of him; the nine was amazing.
"I've loved playing in front of this crowd, I've really enjoyed my weekend here."
Cross later posted on X: "A 108 average and to lose a final is frustrating. I missed a few chances but can’t be too bitter.
"Fair play to Luke, he was incredible. He deserves every bit of praise. The fans were amazing all weekend."
Littler has now won three professional tournaments since bursting on the scene at the World Darts Championship.
He won the Bahrain Masters in January and his first Players Championship event in February.
Littler hit a nine-darter in both of those tournaments and maintained that record of hitting one in every competition he has won at the weekend.
He overcame a couple of controversial moments during his time in Belgium.
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Rob Cross was full of praise for Luke Littler and applauded his nine-darter
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Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski attempted to put Littler off by drinking from his water bottle during the second-round clash on Saturday.
While Germany's Ricardo Pietreczko confronted the teen on stage after his defeat in the semi-final.
Littler was pleased to record another tournament win, reflecting: "I'm just glad to get over the line,
"I lost the two legs after I hit the nine so I'm relieved to get the win.
Luke Littler won his third professional tournament at the Belgian Darts Open
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"It's always good to be involved in a good game; me and Rob have battles and we bring the best out of each other.
"I'm really happy to hit a nine-darter, I prefer 144 to 141 to finish a nine because when the first treble 20 goes in I'm confident of following it with another.
"I know the spotlight is on me because I've done so well but I just play my darts and get on with it. I just do what I do."
