Brisbane Masters

Starts 10am Friday

Rob Cross plundered the prize in the Brisbane Masters 12 months ago and he can retain his crown in the third leg of the 2019 World Series.

Cross saw off Peter Wright in the semi-finals last year and Michael van Gerwen in the final, a rare success in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

This time, however, Voltage toes the oche at the BCEC in sizzling nick having won the World Matchplay in Blackpool two weeks ago.

He should have few problems taking care of James Bailey and then meets the winner of the showdown between Raymond van Barneveld and Haupai Puha in the quarter-finals. He couldn't have picked a softer section of the draw.

There was one major shock in the first round of last year's Brisbane event with Raymond Smith thumping Michael Smith 6-1 and a minor one with Corey Cadby beating Simon Whitlock.

Cadby is the player the top boys don't want to meet in round one and Gary Anderson has drawn the short straw this time.

The Flying Scotsman is trying to play his way back into shape following a back problem. He isn't practising that hard or playing with any consistency.

We've probably seen the best of the 48-year-old double world champion and Cadby is definitely one of those sorts who will be stepping up when Anderson has had enough. Take the young pretender to thrill the home crowd.

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R Cross to win Brisbane Masters
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