Rob Cross storms to World title to deny Taylor fairytale finish
Rob Cross ended Phil Taylor’s hopes of a fairy-tale finish to his legendary career, beating the 16-time champion to win the World Darts Championship in his first year as a professional.
Twenty-eight years after Taylor had won his first final on his debut with a 6-1 victory over Eric Bristow, Cross repeated the feat with a spellbinding performance to sink the tungsten titan.
Twelve months ago, Cross watched from home as Michael van Gerwen beat Gary Anderson to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy but on New Year’s Day at Alexandra Palace it was the former electrician who claimed a spectacular triumph, becoming the first man to win the PDC tournament on his debut since Raymond van Barneveld in 2007.
Averaging 107.67, the third highest in the history of the final, and hitting 11 180s, Cross was too hot for Taylor to handle throughout and he shared his winning moment by handing the departing legend the trophy after the presentation ceremony.
Throughout the tournament, all eyes had been on The Power and the ultimate end to his professional career. However, the 57-year-old fell at the final hurdle in his quest for title number 17, losing to a player he had never played before and who was a virtual unknown a year ago – and even six months ago – to the non-darts audience.
Instead, Cross, who was not even born when Taylor won his first title on his debut in 1990, finishes a dream first year as a professional with a winner’s cheque for £400,000, a place in the Premier League, a position as the new world no 3 and the sport’s most prestigious title.
Cross’ victory was only Taylor’s 13th defeat in his 29 World Championships and he leaves the stage for the final time having failed to end the perfect finish to a career that last saw him crowned champion in 2013.
Taylor was playing in his 21st final having won 16 of his previous 20 but Cross joins Dennis Priestley, John Part, Raymond van Barneveld and Anderson as the only men to defeat the Power in a World Championship final.
