Danny Noppert vs Rob Cross Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Matchplay | First Round
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The first round concludes as world number ten Danny Noppert faces former World Matchplay champion Rob Cross at Winter Gardens.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+
Danny Noppert vs Rob Cross prediction
Although he has frequently reached the latter stages of televised events in recent years, Danny Noppert doesn't appear to be in the strongest of form heading into the World Matchplay, where he reached the semi-final in 2022.
The Dutchman made the quarters of both the World Masters and the UK Open, but for a man of his ability he has generally underperformed on the European Tour and floor events in 2026.
Also a quarter-finalist at the UK Open in March, Rob Cross hasn't gone beyond that stage in a major since reaching the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship at the beginning of 2024.
However, Voltage has been putting in some encouraging displays on the European Tour, and a Players Championship title success just last month is bound to have given him the confidence that he can make an impact in Blackpool.
The rankings point to Noppert, but recent form tips this in favour of former world champion Cross.
Danny Noppert vs Rob Cross tip: Rob Cross to win
