The world of professional darts was thrown into unprecedented turmoil today as former World Champion Rob Cross publicly released the DNA test results concerning his teenage son, leaving legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen reeling in shock.
The 16-time world champion, Phil “The Power” Taylor, was reportedly speechless after the documents were shared on social media, moments before a planned exhibition match in Milton Keynes.
“I’ve known Rob since he was an electrician. I saw the boy grow up. This… this doesn’t make sense,” Taylor told a stunned reporter, refusing to elaborate further before walking away from the oche.
The controversy began three weeks ago when rumors surfaced regarding the paternity of Cross’s 17-year-old son, who has been a familiar face in the players’ lounge at major PDC events for years. Cross, known as “Voltage” for his explosive finishing, initially dismissed the gossip but promised “total transparency” following a leaked legal filing.
In a lengthy Instagram post early this morning, the 2018 World Champion shared a redacted copy of the DNA report. The results confirmed that the biological father is not who the darts community had assumed for nearly two decades.
While Cross did not name the biological father, the genetic markers point to a “high-profile figure from the golden era of the sport.” Sources close to the PDC have told this publication that the results have “torn the fabric of the dressing room apart.”
Luke Humphries, the current world number one, expressed his dismay on X (formerly Twitter): “Absolutely sick to my stomach. I’ve looked up to these legends my whole life. Rob is a brother to me. My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing.”
However, the most dramatic reaction came from an ashen-faced Michael van Gerwen, who was seen arguing with his management team immediately after the news broke. When approached for comment, the Dutch superstar simply said, “No. Not now. I need to call my wife,” before speeding away in a blacked-out SUV.
The report also revealed that Cross’s son was made aware of the results only 48 hours ago. In the statement, Cross wrote: “The boy is my son. That will never change. Biology doesn’t define a father. But the lies and the betrayal from people I called friends? That ends today. The truth is out.”
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn has yet to issue an official statement, but insiders suggest an emergency board meeting has been called to address the “reputational earthquake” threatening to overshadow the upcoming World Matchplay.
As the darts world reels, fans are left wondering: Who is the mystery father? And how will this affect the most beloved brotherhood in British sport?
One thing is certain—the bullseye has never felt so far away.
