Taylor too tired for fairytale finish

Darts legend Phil Taylor’s happygo-lucky attitude has given him the chance of a dream exit with a 17th world title but he doubts it will be a fairytale finish.

The 57-year-old winds up a career that has seen him win more than £7m (NZ$13.3m) in prizemoney by taking on 14-1 outsider Rob Cross in the final at Alexandra Palace today.

Taylor, dubbed ‘‘The Power’’, admits it’s been an astonishing send-off tournament for him but reckons he’s been riding his luck all the way to final.

Cross’ stunning upset of defending champion Michael van Gerwen in the semifinals kept things rolling Taylor’s way.

‘‘At face value, getting to a world championship final at 57 is my greatest achievement of all. But, when you look at what’s happened over the past two weeks, maybe I’ve just been lucky,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘All the big seeds have fallen by the wayside, and now Michael has gone, too.

‘‘Let’s be honest: I’m not the best player in the tournament. I’m too old and too tired now. I’ve just been picking up the pieces and capitalising on other people’s mistakes.

‘‘My opponents have been under a bit of pressure because they know it’s my last tournament and don’t want to be the bad guy who sends me packing.

‘‘Can I tell you a secret? I’ve never really believed I can win this tournament. And I still don’t think I’m going to win it – but I am going to enjoy it.’’

Taylor remains a fan favourite and black market prices for a seat at the final have seen some tickets prices soar to £3,150 - almost $NZ6000.

The winner of the final will take home £400,000 (NZ$760,000) and the runner-up £170,000 (NZ$323,000).