IT’S A POWER CUT AS CROSS REIGNS Legend Taylor retires as rookie takes world title
The script was written for Phil Taylor to hang up his darts as the champion of the world but Rob Cross ripped that script to shreds.
This time last year, Cross watched Michael van Gerwen win the World Championship final while sitting on his sofa at home, having not yet turned professional.
Yet last night, the former electrician completed an extraordinary debut year by denying Taylor his 17th world title and turning ‘The Power’ off once and for all.
Cross did not seem the least bit bothered that this was Taylor’s final fling at Alexandra Palace.
The newbie nicknamed ‘Voltage’ played like an old pro, averaged 107.67 and won 7-2. ‘I feel great but it’s about Phil departing and that is why I let him lift the trophy,’ said Cross, who won £400,000 along with the Sid Waddell Trophy.
‘I was born in 1990 when he won his first world title. I hope he has a happy retirement. You will not see another sportsman like Phil.’
Taylor took the £170,000 runner-up prize and said: ‘he was relentless and that’s the way I used to be. he is a lot like myself. he’s dedicated. You’ve got an animal on your hands now. I tried.’
When Taylor won his first world title 28 years ago, Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and Sir Alex Ferguson was trophy-less at Manchester United.
Cross watched his opponent’s walk-on last night and it was interesting to say the least. Taylor stopped to take selfies and sign autographs before strutting on stage for the last time.
But Cross refused to be caught up in the hype and took the first set, then the second as well with a 167 check-out.
Taylor gave a shrug as he walked off stage, as if to say ‘Well, what can you do?’
his last 20 World Championship finals had seen some great battles.
In his 21st, Cross took the third set with a 153. Tickets on the black market were being sold for more than £3,000 before this final.
The fans wanted their money’s worth and Taylor took the fourth set.
Relief at last, although he caused controversy when caught on camera flipping the middle finger at his entourage.
In the fifth set, Taylor only needed double 12 for a nine-darter.
he missed by millimetres and Cross went on to win the leg.
Taylor was averaging 104.22 yet had no answer as he trailed 6-1. This was becoming a battering.
Taylor made the score a more respectable 6-2 but watched as his opponent took out 140 and double 16 to become world champion.
And that was that. Taylor is no longer a darts player but instead a retired, 57-year-old grandad from Stoke.