I wouldn't wish my worst enemy bad luck.
Rob Cross
Most people that develop in darts or any sport probably take two or three years to find their feet.
I would say darts is probably 15 per cent throwing. The rest of it is mental strength. Being able to hold your nerve.
We all dream about winning the Premier League. We all set our stall out to qualify and we worry about positions afterwards.
When the crowd's against you, sometimes that can spur you on alone.
When you win the Worlds, everyone expects a little bit more which is fair enough, but just the first crack of a whole year doing all the World Series and the Premier League; it adds up.
Once I got my card, I had a goal to make the top 64 and to try and keep my Tour card for the following year and to progress nicely. But to progress at the rate I have, and to feel as comfortable as I am starting to feel - I have to pinch myself.
In life you cannot expect things to fall into your lap, you have got to work hard.
Just in myself the motivation side of it, maybe just being a little bit more aggressive to get something out of myself a little bit more. I definitely play better with it.
Since having three kids, and the responsibility that goes with it, I know what it's like to graft for money.
My opponents are irrelevant. It's all about which Rob turns up. If I get it right, I can win anything.
Everything you get in life, you have to work hard for. And if you're not willing to get out of bed and work then you're not going to progress.
I always felt I could play well.
I was never a big traveller - if I wasn't working, I would have a job to get out of my own postcode.
The only thing I wanted to buy was an Audi R8 - but my missus won't let me get it because she says it's too fast!
My old life was really hard. I had to get up at 4:30 A.M. in the morning to pay the bills. You know that if you don't turn up you don't get paid. It has really helped me knuckle down as a dart player and treat it like a job.
I've got a good backing behind me with my management team, and my family are all down to earth.
Darts is a proper job now. There are a lot of people earning some very good money playing this game and we have to thank the PDC and all the sponsors of our tournaments for backing us.
It's all about doing the right things at the right times and I believe I can win everything.
If you have an ache or pain, or if you don't feel well, get yourself checked.
The first to five, it's anyone's game. You only have to slip up in one leg, they get a break and then you're up against it.
This game is a profession now, it's not a hobby any more. You can earn great money and there are loads of people earning a living out of the game.
Ability gets you so far, but having bottle and staying strong when you're getting pounded, staying in a game, that's a mental quality.
The money is obviously life-changing in lots of ways. But I'll always be the same Rob Cross.
I was someone who used to live a sheltered life.
I've had moments of brilliance but on my busier weeks when I haven't had my practice regime, it is hard-work.
I want the No 1 spot. If you can't be the best player in the world then what's the point? If I had to settle on No 2 it wouldn't be good enough. I want to be the best.
Obviously the crowds are massive on the Premier League so it took me a bit of time to actually settle and get some results.
The harder you work the more you will deserve and that is the attitude I have.
I was going into things believing I can win it but now I know I can it - the difference in that is massive for me and it will make me work harder.
I always had a phobia of heights, but since I've been flying more regularly I have no problem with it now. I just go to sleep.
I think I've lost important games at certain times through not having the stamina for a day. That's 100 per cent evident that those things have happened.
I'm always altering things to try and get better. It's not always about the darts too, I'm trying to eat healthier and look after myself, I even bought a dog to walk.
Crowds can play massive parts in games, we all know that.
I want to look after myself and have a long-lasting career if I can. I want it in my hands and choose when I want to stop playing. I also want to be around for my kids to watch them grow up.
I'm going to balance my schedule so I'm still getting everything I need and just making sure I'm happy really, because when you're happy it is easier to play darts.
As long as I do the right things for me, I can go in there and win anything.
I believe in my own ability and I think the belief is there to win anything in the world.
I spend a lot of time away from my family but they are so supportive and have been brilliant - the confidence you get from them, cheering you up when you feel a bit low.
To get up in the morning and do what I love doing is a dream and it has come to reality for me.
Darts has changed my life but it won't change me as a person - if anything, winning has put more hunger in me, I want to win more.
I've never been a big person. I was about 14 stone when I was working, but when you go up to 18 stone then you know you've got issues.
My chest problem was a major worry because it was exactly the same symptoms as a heart attack.
What do you want? It's a massive question in life and I wanted to win the world championship and provide for my family.
I'll just try and try and perform to the best of my capabilities.
I can offer my family things that I could never have dreamt of - darts has changed my life.
The demand, the amount of games I've played, and the time away from home has been the most ever. It's been hard but I do it to give my family a better life.
Without these people who want selfies? People pay decent money to come and watch you. It doesn't hurt to take time out, and give back.
I can be a little bit guilty of being too nice.
I just need to build myself up and get myself in the right place and if I do that I'm going to play great darts all the time.
