Newcomer Rob Cross has claimed his first World Championship title with a win over retiring darts legend Phil Taylor, writes .
Taylor has played his last ever professional darts match, conceding to Cross who won with a 7-2 lead.
Former electrician Cross wins a cheque for £400,000 and a spot in the world's top four.
ROB CROSS IS THE 2017/18 @WilliamHill WORLD DARTS CHAMPION!!!!!!#LoveTheDarts #WHDarts #TAYvCROSS pic.twitter.com/KhXfAAGXCk
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
Cross paid tribute to Taylor, saying it was his dream to play against the legend.
"I feel great, but I got to say I won my first world title, but it's about him departing. It was my dream 15 years ago to play this guy and now I played him - absolutely phenomenal," he said.
"I was born in 1990 when Taylor won his first world title. What he's done for the game, I hope he has a happy retirement and I wish him all the best."
Phil Taylor has won a second set in his final professional match, reducing Rob Cross's lead, writes
.Is this the beginning of Taylor's comeback?
Cross now leads 6-2.
WATCH: @RobCross180 6⃣ - 2⃣ @PhilTaylor Start of the comeback?!
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/aro77AAsao #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/gcLPD8bLVl
Rob Cross holds a 6-1 lead against Phil Taylor in Taylor's final professional match, writes
.Taylor hit his ninth maximum, but missed the bullseye for a 161 finish. Cross got a 93 checkout.
If Cross wins one more set he will win a World Championship title.
CROSS 6️⃣ - 1️⃣ TAYLOR
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
ROB CROSS DOES NOT MISS!
He is THRASHING Phil Taylor in his final ever game of his career. #LoveTheDarts #WHDarts pic.twitter.com/sWaXHov9XM
Rob Cross denied Phil Taylor a second set by claiming his fifth, writes
.Cross needed 84 and nailed it with two darts to win the sixth set.
Cross is averaging 109 as he moves into a four set lead.
WATCH: @RobCross180 5⃣ - 1⃣ @PhilTaylor! TWO TO GO!
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/aro77AAsao #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/Rq929gmaF8
Rob Cross leads Phil Taylor 4-1 in the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, writes
.Taylor missed a D18 by a hair for a 153 finish, allowing Cross to make a 14-darter and claim another set.
Can Taylor make a comeback?
WATCH: @RobCross180 4⃣ - 1⃣ @PhilTaylor! Any way back for The Power ⚡?
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/aro77AAsao #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/45VWgAy9RN
After big checkouts from newcomer Rob Cross, Phil Taylor took back control to win his first set of the night, writes
.Taylor's whitewash set started with 151 in the first leg and he got 80 in just two darts.
The score is currently 3-1, in favour of Cross.
WATCH: @RobCross180 3⃣ - 1⃣ @PhilTaylor!
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/aro77AAsao #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/wNGpMkjRYq
Phil Taylor finished first on 150 and scored 38 to leave 112, writes
.Cross required a 153 checkout to clinch his third set and it proves no problem.
CROSS 3️⃣ - 0️⃣ TAYLOR
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
ASTONISHING!!!
A 153 checkout from Rob Cross and he moves into a 3-0 lead! #LoveTheDarts #WHDarts #TAYvCROSS pic.twitter.com/WOrfi1xVbJ
Rob Cross has scored a 167 to win his second set and double his lead against Phil Taylor the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, writes
.Cross produced his highest finish in the championship and remains 2-0 in the lead.
Cross is playing in his first world final, while Taylor is playing in his 21st before retirement.
OH MY WORD!!!!!!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
CROSS 2️⃣ - 0️⃣ TAYLOR
A 167 for Rob Cross to clinch the set and double his lead!
Incredible finishing from the Debutant!#LoveTheDarts #WHDarts pic.twitter.com/1zXYEfQMKF
Underdog Rob Cross has taken the opening set after breaking retiring darts legend Phil Taylor's throw, writes
.He is currently in the lead in the William Hill World Darts Championship.
ADVANTAGE CROSS | Rob Cross takes the opening set, 3-1.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
This match could go long....#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/kA6WtQU80E
Darts legend Phil Taylor has embarked upon his final walk-on at Alexandra Palace, writes
.Taylor stopped for selfies and autographs with fans along his route as 'I've Got The Power' echoed around the arena and lights flashed dramatically.
WATCH: The Power’s ⚡ last-ever walk on at Ally Pally. EMOTIONAL! Watch live on Sky Sports Darts or follow it here: https://t.co/aro77AAsao #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/ctnpKA2Fw6
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
Moments earlier, the crowd chanted that there was "only one Phil Taylor.
ONE PHIL TAYLOR: The crowd welcome the legendary 16-time champion of the world to the stage after a spine-tingling walk-on #LoveTheDarts #WHDarts
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2018
***contains flashing images*** pic.twitter.com/mXDytVSvgH
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 tonight.
The 16-time champion won the pre-match bull-up and he has given the throw to Cross.
BREAKING!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
Phil Taylor has won the pre-match Bull-up and has given the throw to Rob Cross...#LoveTheDarts #WHDarts pic.twitter.com/eEEfXUyypG
Taylor 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.
The 57-year-old from Stoke, who has won this title 14 times and the BDO version twice, will retire after the tournament.
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.
Phil Taylor's final match begins at 8pm with the first to seven sets crowned the champion. Follow updates here.