Former darts world champion Rob Cross knocked OUT of Bahrain Masters by world No94 as history is made

ROB CROSS has been beaten by world No94 Paolo Nebrida in the first round of the Bahrain Darts Masters.

The former world champion lost 6-3 as his opponent became the first ever Filipino to win on the World Series.

History was also made as it was the first time ever that an Asian representative has beaten a PDC star at the Bahrain Masters.

Cross, 34, hit two more 180s and recorded a higher average than Nebrida during the opening match of the tournament.

But he struggled on the doubles, missing the chance to wrap up legs 16 times.

Nebrida, 30, sealed the win in spectacular fashion by hitting the double top.

He coolly lifted his arm in celebration and embraced Cross as the two exchanged friendly words at the oche.

Nebrida came close to beating Michael Smith in Bahrain last year, losing 6-5.

The man nicknamed "Pow" became a fan's favourite at the World Championship last month with a run to the third round.

Nebrida surprisingly beat Jim Williams and Ross Smith before crashing out to Jeffrey de Graaf.

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On the other hand, this defeat is the latest low point for Cross, who is on a four-match losing run.

He was knocked out the World Championship by Scott Williams in his first match at Ally Pally, while causing controversy after being caught making a rude gesture as he trudged off the stage.

The world No4 had previously suffered a 6-0 hammering to Luke Littler at the Players Championship Finals and a 16-11 defeat to Martin Lukeman at the Grand Slam.

Cross will be desperate to re-find his form soon as he has been named in the Premier League line-up again this year.

The weekly tournament begins in Belfast on February 6.