Phil Taylor has the chance to end his illustrious career in perfect style when he faces Rob Cross in the final of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The 16-time champion ensured he would make his swansong in the New Year’s Day showpiece with a 6-1 semi-final win over provisional-round qualifier Jamie Lewis on Saturday.
“I’m over the moon, I really am – it’s a struggle,” Taylor told Sky Sports Darts after reaching his 21st world final.
Believe? pic.twitter.com/NFScGIIav8
— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) December 30, 2017
The 57-year-old from Stoke, who has won this title 14 times and the BDO version twice, will retire after the tournament.
But asked if he thought it was fate that he would leave the sport by winning a first title since 2013, Taylor added: “No.
“First round, Chris Dobey, you’re in for a battle. Get past Chris Dobey maybe you’ll have a chance.
“When I got to Gary Anderson (in the quarter-finals) I thought, ‘That’s you done now’, because Gary is younger, fitter, stronger and a lot better than me.
After one of the greatest match of darts the William Hill World Darts Championship has EVER seen, we spoke to Rob Cross after knocking out World number one, Michael van Gerwen.
He no plays Phil Taylor in the 2018 World Championship Final.#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/d8wEilSJkh
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 31, 2017
“But he didn’t perform, he didn’t perform like Gary Anderson so I just took advantage.
“I’m just going to relax, get my rest in and get ready for the final.”
In stark contrast to veteran Taylor, Cross is contesting his first world final after beating defending champion Michael van Gerwen 6-5 in a remarkable semi-final.
Cross, in his first season as a professional, took advantage of uncharacteristically poor finishing from the Dutchman and held his nerve in sudden death.
This hurts a lot and will take time to get over but I only can blame myself.I had enough chances and I didn’t take them.All the credit goes to Rob Cross. He played great and is a great player. I am obviously gutted but want to say thank you to everyone who supports me an darts
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 31, 2017
“Words can’t explain it,” he told Sky Sports.
“I will come out (in the final) and want to win.
“He (Taylor) is my favourite player actually. He was dominant and now he’s leaving, it’s going to be special for him but at the same time I’ve got to do my own job and do what I need to do to win that game.
“I never expected this, it’s amazing, absolutely amazing. I never expected this rise, I really didn’t.
“I’m just a working boy, I come from a normal household and don’t get me wrong, I believe in my own ability and that’s only why I got here.”
