Rob Cross wins Players Championship 1, defeats Joe Cullen

Rob Cross triumphed at the opening Players Championship event of 2025 in Wigan, defeating Joe Cullen 8-3 in the final, marking his tenth Players Championship title. Cullen had a standout tournament, notably defeating world champion Luke Littler 6-3 in the third round, and also overcame world number one Luke Humphries in the semi-finals. Cross's victory was characterized by impressive scoring, including a high checkout of 129 and averaging 104, after a series of strong performances against other competitors earlier in the tournament. Despite Cullen's efforts, including a comeback attempt in the final, Cross's consistent play secured his win. The event featured early exits for notable players like Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, while the next Players Championship event is set to take place soon. This victory not only boosts Cross's confidence after a challenging previous season but also sets a positive tone for the 2025 Pro Tour.