Rise of Cross no child’s play

have to graft. If I didn’t get up in the morning I never got paid. That is tough, but I have been fortunate because Georgia used to work.

“My wife looked after children with disabilities. She is brilliant at it.

“I admire her because I could not do it, it would be heart-wrenching.

“It takes a real sort of person to do that and not get attached because I would.

“I get time at home now with the kids – three days, sometimes one day. It is what you do with your time when you get it and make the best of it.” Darts’ gain is rugby’s loss – Cross opted out of that sport after sustaining a rather delicate testicle injury when he was 17. “I was OK at rugby, I enjoyed it. I was a No 8, back of the scrum, but I took an unfortunate injury,” said Cross. “It was enough to put me off. Use your imagination. I walked like John Wayne for a month…” Cross will now be a major name in the Premier League when he makes his debut next month and Taylor believes his world championship conqueror can create a rivalry with world No 1 Van Gerwen.

Cross himself is certainly hungry for more success.

“I believe I can dominate going forward,” he said. “I still have loads to learn. Winning this will help me greatly as I now know I can win and play well.”

As former champion Taylor retires from the professional game, he is being honoured. The BetVictor World Matchplay Championship trophy, which ‘The Power’ has lifted 16 times, the last in July, will be renamed The Phil Taylor Trophy.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: “It was a great decision. We owe Phil Taylor a huge amount within the sport.”