ROOKIE ROB’S POWER SURGE
Brush hours Railway fare fury Sparky hits World Darts final
HUNDREDS of young muslims are starting the new year today with a “nationwide streetcleaning day”.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association will help tackle the “£1billion public cost” of littering in London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.
Spokesman Farhad Ahmad said: “We feel strongly that it is our religious and civic duty.” PROTESTERS will hand out chocolates at railway stations tomorrow to “sweeten the pill” after the annual ticket price hike.
Train fares will rise 3.4%, meaning they have gone up 24.5% since the public sector pay freeze in 2011.
Mick Cash – the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union – said: “These eye-watering increases will make it even harder for workers to get by.”
AN electrician will send sparks flying when he goes up against Phil “The Power” Taylor for the world darts title.
Underdog Rob Cross, wasn’t even a professional this time last year, playing in pubs and clubs while plying his trade to pay the bills.
But the dad-of-three, nicknamed “Voltage”, will pocket a £400,000 jackpot if he beats the legendary 16-time champ tonight – and £170,000 even if he loses.
The world No20 stunned reigning champ Michael van Gerwen in the PDC World Darts Championship semi-final at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday.
Rob claimed a 6-5 win against the Dutchman to set up his clash with Taylor, who is set to retire.
He was just nine months old when Taylor won his first title in 1990. Rob, of Hastings, East Sussex, said: “I never expected this. It’s absolutely amazing. I’m just a working boy. I come from a normal household.
“I played well but the crowd helped me. They got on Michael’s back and that’s why I won.”
He added: “Taylor is my favourite player actually. He was dominant and now he’s leaving.
“It’s going to be special for him, but I’ve got to do what I need to do to win that game.”
His incredible triumph over van Gerwen even won Rob some celebrity fans. Ex-EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon tweeted: “Phew… what a game!”
And TV’s Davina McCall took a selfie with Rob and tweeted her congratulations.
Preview: StarSport