In Monday’s first game, Cross made history by becoming the first player to fight back from 4-0 to win a World Championship quarter-final in a classic encounter with Dobey.
The 33-year-old looked to be facing certain defeat after falling 4-0 down in less than an hour, but appeared revitalised after a break before the fifth set.
The world number eight reeled off four straight sets to level the game, before a 130 checkout made it five in a row to seal a famous victory.
It is the second time Cross has fought back to beat Dobey at a major tournament, having recovered from 8-2 down to win 11-9 at the 2022 World Matchplay in Blackpool.
“I just thought it’s all about me and I still believe even when I’m 4-0 down. I had one of the greatest comebacks against Chris at the Matchplay, so I might as well make it at the Worlds,” Cross told Sky Sports.
On the prospect of facing Littler, Cross said: “He’s amazing. He’s 16. I’ve got a boy who’s four years younger. Whatever he achieves, he’s going to have a bright future.”
Van Gerwen went into his match against Williams as the favourite to lift the trophy for a fourth time after the likes of Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright had been knocked out earlier in the tournament.
But the world number two was punished for a below-par display, missing 27 darts at doubles, as Williams reached the last four for the first time in just his second appearance at the World Championships.
“I just knocked the best player in the world out,” Williams told Sky Sports.
“He wasn’t the Michael van Gerwen we’ve seen over the last couple of games but that’s not my problem.
“I hit the doubles and probably should have won it a little bit easier. I’m absolutely loving it up there. I love a crowd.”
