News, Politics , Sports, Business, Entertainment, World,Lifestyle, Technology , Tourism, Gh Songs | News, Politics , Sports, Business, Entertainment, World,Lifestyle, Technology , Tourism, Gh Songs |
ROB CROSS sensationally became the William Hill world darts champion as he did the one thing which would have got him the sack just over a year ago – he turned off The Power for good.
On an emotional evening at the Ally Pally, Cross, a former electrician, brought to an end the incredible career of Phil Taylor with an amazing 7-2 triumph in the final.
Cross, 27, from Hastings, used to be sparky by day and a darts player by night but now he is the shining new light of world darts, winning the £400,000 first prize after simply taking the Taylor apart.
The Power is dead, long live the man known as Voltage.
Whatever fuelled him through this championship, he never once got his wires crossed last night when all the build-up had been about Taylor, 57, bowing out from the professional side of the sport by writing one final chapter to his amazing story.
To just reach the final in his last year was remarkable whatever the outcome. And the outcome truly was the changing of the guard as Cross produced the sort of darts that used to be the trademark of Taylor.
It truly was hot Cross fun for the man from Sussex as he hit finishes of 167 and 153 to move 3-0.
And let’s remember – this was the first time Cross had ever played Taylor.
Taylor had lost only four of his 20 previous finals. He had his moments, some of them amazing as he almost landed a nine-darter, but there was just no let up in the battering that Cross was giving him.
The Power won nearest to the bull to see who would throw first and he gave the honour to Cross and it was not long before it was first blood to the debutant as he landed double 18 in the opening leg on his way to taking the first set.
What a start and if Cross had nerves, well they were left in the practice room, though the opening leg of the second set was extraordinary.
As Taylor was about to throw, Cross inadvertently knocked a glass on the table on the oche.
Taylor stopped, they shared a laugh, but The Power failed to land a decisive blow and after the pair had touched fists to show the level of their sportsmanship.
Phil Taylor could not end his incredible career on a high
Cross had an average of 107 at this stage compared to Taylor’s 102 and the third set was even more amazing as he won it 3-0 with a 153 finish.
Of course Taylor had his moments, such as his stunning 151 finish to move 1-0 ahead in the fourth set and then double 10 saw him finally win a set.
As he left the stage, he flipped his middle towards his entourage in the crowd as if to signal it was one set to him.
Rob Cross blew away Phil Taylor in the final to become the world champion
Taylor turned to the crowd and smiled…but he did not even win the leg as Cross secured it on double 16 and won the set 3-0 on double eight before moving 5-1 up as he moved towards becoming the champion of the world.
Cross’s success this year has earned him a place in this year’s Premier League which starts next month. It is all change in the League with James Wade and Adrian Lewis missing out on places.
Source:www.express.co.uk
