The standard of darts in this World Championship final between Phil Taylor and Rob Cross has been nothing short of incredible.
Rob Cross began his first World Championship final like a man possessed. The 27-year-old, who only turned professional this year, after working as an electrician up until last year, won the first three sets of the game.
He was averaging a massive 109 after the first five sets of the Ally Pally showdown, and took a 4-1 lead into the break at that juncture of the game.
CROSS 5️⃣ – 1️⃣ TAYLOR
Rob Cross is absolutely flying here… He is averaging 109 as he moves into a four set lead.
An extraordinary performance! #LoveTheDarts #WHDarts pic.twitter.com/SBdRindJOe
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
The Englishman has a look of steely determination in his eyes, not that his opponent would know, because he is so focused on his darts and the board that his eyes haven’t even veered in the direction of the 16 time champion.
This focus saw him take out 167, 153 and 151 respectively to check-out after some truly amazing legs of darts.
Just drink in that 167 and marvel.
THAT IS A HUGE SHOT FROM ROB CROSS | Voltage takes out 167 to take set two.
Rob Cross looks like a man on 🔥🔥🔥tonight#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/CjdUpvkpWS
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
Relentless, ridiculous, ruthless. You choose the adjective because the Pembury native doesn’t look in the mood for letting up. He hit maximum after maximum, and nailed every single chance that came his way to break Taylor, and then to hammer the hammer on his own darts.
He wasn’t missing chances. Taylor was playing well, but he was just unable to live with the explosive scoring, the non stop fire of Cross.
Taylor was on the verge of a nine darter in the fifth set. He went on and lost the leg. And the set. That’s how its been so far.
1 millimetre from a truly historic moment in darts…..#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/XWLPKnKvcj
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
This is all about Cross. He’s admirably ripping it up in the biggest game of his life by miles. He’s taking the initiative, he’s not letting the magnitude of the occasion get to him, and he’s taking Phil Taylor’s best efforts and throwing more and more back at him.
Cross took the sixth set. He took the seventh. He led 6-1 and there looks to be no way back for Taylor.
