Rob Cross has launched a passionate defence of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries after the English duo recently struggled at the World Cup of Darts.
Many expected the pair to shine given their sensational exploits as individuals.
However, Littler and Humphries were surprisingly eliminated by Germany, with Northern Ireland going on to win the title.
Some, including Gerwyn Price, have stuck the knife into the duo by expressing a belief that they paid the price for a lack of closeness.
Rob Cross has launched a passionate defence of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries after the English duo recently struggled at the World Cup of Darts
PA
Cross, however, has now defended the duo and backed them to bounce back.
Speaking to Action Network, he said: "I've read a lot of stuff on social media saying that obviously the pressure got to them and other stuff but look, these boys are the two best players in the world.
"There are some things in life where things just don’t happen [as planned] and they were playing against home favourites and it can be tough sometimes.
"They will bounce back, and they’ll be back to normal.
"I can’t get my head around why it didn’t work but as I say, we see these things happen in life.
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"They’re both amazing and will bounce back, whether they bottled it or not, I wouldn’t say so.
"It can be a hard situation to play in and with it being a pairs game, you have to rely on each other and if you look at Wales with Gerwyn Price and Johnny Clayton, they have played with each other before and they’ve got the chemistry, so it works for them and makes sense.
"They will know what they need to work on together if they both play with each again next time."
Littler and Humphries have become the poster boys for darts over the past few years.
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Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have both decided to take time off after their struggles at the World Cup of Darts
PATheir brilliant performances saw them recently given MBEs in recognition of their accomplishments.
And that's something that thrills Cross, with the 34-year-old adamant it can only be a good thing for the future of darts.
"I think it’s amazing and it was announced from the morning before they played," he added.
"It’s great for the game, nice to be looked at and for the game to receive the recognition.
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"Darts for me over the years, it’s changed. People always tell me about back in the day when they used to play and drink pints and smoke, and this game has really developed during the time I have been playing in it.
"Looking back at the 1980s to now, the game has changed massively.
"To get the recognition, it’s great for everyone in the sport and the eyes are on the game now.
"It’s in the best place it’s ever been in my opinion, and it will only get stronger.
Rob Cross was delighted to see Luke Littler and Luke Humphries receive MBEs
Getty"I’ve only been here for eight years, and it seems to be going from strength to strength.
"Fair play to both of them, they deserve the MBE as they work hard, and Luke Littler has burst on the scene and the other Luke has progressed.
"It didn’t happen for him at the start and then look at him now over the last three years, he’s up there and competing for every tournament.
"I’m glad to see both of them getting MBEs because they both deserved it."
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