Taylor powers into final, van Gerwen stunned
England’s Rob Cross has stunned world No 1 and defending champion Michael van Gerwen to set up a dream final against outgoing legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor at the PDC World Championship in London.
Cross held his nerve in an epic semifinal yesterday to beat Dutch powerhouse van Gerwen 6-5 and reach the finale at Alexandra Palace in his World Championship debut.
It caps a remarkable rise for the 27-year-old, who only turned professional at the start of the year and has become known as ‘the new Phil Taylor’.
He has the perfect chance to live up to that reputation tomorrow against the man himself after the 57-year-old master remained on course for a fairytale finish to his illustrious career.
Taylor, who is competing at his final event before retiring, beat Welsh qualifier Jamie Lewis 6-1 to reach his 21st world championship final.
‘‘I never experienced this rise. I was just a working boy from a normal household but I believed in my own ability. Anything is possible,’’ Cross told Sky Sports UK.
‘‘Phil is my favourite player, actually. It’s going to be special for him but at the same time I need to do my job.’’
Taylor may be chasing his 17th global crown but Cross will have no shortage of confidence after producing the performance of his life against van Gerwen.
The pair both averaged in excess of 100 and shared 31 maximums in a back-and forth affair at a rowdy ‘Ally Pally’.
Van Gerwen has dominated darts in recent years but it was the two-time world champion who crumbled under pressure, missing five doubles to seal the match.
Cross then sent the clash into sudden death before nailing a double eight to reach the final.
‘‘Today I played well, the crowd helped me and they got on Michael’s back, that’s why I won,’’ Cross said.
‘‘At points I felt inexperienced but I got through. I believe in my own ability and if I come out and play my best I believe I can keep with Michael every day.’’
Meanwhile, Taylor was given an early scare in the first semifinal as Lewis took the opening set but his experience ultimately carried him home.
Lewis was the first player to reach the semis after coming through the preliminary round. The 6-1 scoreline was not a true reflection of how close the match was as all seven sets went to a deciding fifth leg.
However, Taylor quickly regained his composure after the early setback and won all the crucial moments to finish Lewis off.
‘‘I am over the moon, I really am. I preyed on Jamie’s lack of experience,’’ Taylor said.
‘‘It was a struggle. Jamie is very steady and very accurate; he doesn’t show any emotion or any fear.
‘‘Jamie is a great player. Now I am retiring, he is one to watch.’’
An icon of the sport, Taylor won his first world championship in 1990 before winning eight successive titles between 1995 and 2002.
Taylor last lifted the trophy in 2013.