Rob Cross praised Michael Smith following his victory over the St Helens thrower on Thursday in Sheffield.
The 27-year-old pressured Cross throughout the contest but failed to convert a final leg to earn a point. Smith has showed his class in the two months as he has opened up a gap between himself and those outside the top four.
Cross told me how pivotal this match could’ve been for his season: “If Michael won he would’ve practically cemented top two. I knew it was big going into the game I just need to stay focused and keep winning now.”
Despite the defeat, Cross was quick to praise him play-off adversary following the match.
He said: “Michael is a phenomenal player, he played really well, some weeks he has had a lesser average and still managed to win so that really shows his quality.
“He never goes away either so fair play to him. He’s improved since last year, so he’s going to keep getting better and will be challenging for majors in the near future.”
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